JLPT N1 grammar

〜ためしがないmeaning and usage

Meaning

A is never the case, There is no precedent for A

How to form it

  • verb (ta-form)ためしがない

How it is used

'A has never once happened', usually to criticise or complain that someone or something is always like this, so A can't be counted on. Sounds fed up or ironic. For a neutral 'have never', use 「〜たことがない」.

Examples

  1. 残念ながら、彼の約束は守られたためしがないんです。

    Unfortunately, he has never kept his promise.

  2. 弟は、約束の時間どおりに来たためしがない。

    My brother has never once turned up at the agreed time.

  3. 早起きしようと何度も決めたが、続いたためしがない。

    I've resolved many times to get up early, but it has never once lasted.