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    取り返しのつかない事態になりかねない (torikaeshi no tsukanai jitai ni narikanenai - could lead to an irreversible situation)

    Grammar & Usage

    phrase
    formal

    How it works

    This compound phrase consists of the relative clause '取り返しのつかない' (irreversible/unrecoverable) modifying the noun '事態' (situation/state of affairs), followed by the case particle 'に' and the verb 'なる' (to become). The verb stem 'なり' is suffixed with '~かねない', an auxiliary pattern that indicates a significant risk or high likelihood of an undesirable negative outcome.

    Sample sentences

    今すぐ対策を講じなければ、取り返しのつかない事態になりかねない。

    If we do not take countermeasures immediately, it could lead to an irreversible situation.

    初期の不具合を放置することは、取り返しのつかない事態になりかねないリスクを孕んでいる。

    Ignoring the initial malfunction carries the risk of turning into an irreversible situation.

    小さなミスの隠蔽が、最終的には取り返しのつかない事態になりかねない。

    Covering up small mistakes could ultimately lead to an irreversible situation.

    Quick facts

    usage_context:Frequently used in journalism, business risk analysis, and formal warnings to emphasize the urgency of preventive action.
    negative_connotation:The suffix ~かねない is strictly used for negative, undesirable possibilities (e.g., accidents, crises, failures).

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    今すぐ対策を講じなければ、取り返しのつかない事態になりかねない。

    If we do not take countermeasures immediately, it could lead to an irreversible situation.

    初期の不具合を放置することは、取り返しのつかない事態になりかねないリスクを孕んでいる。

    Ignoring the initial malfunction carries the risk of turning into an irreversible situation.

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