〜がたい
Formation
Meaning
Indicates that something is psychologically or emotionally difficult to carry out. It is NOT used for physical impossibility or lack of ability.
Note
A formal expression indicating that something is psychologically or emotionally difficult to carry out. It is NOT used for physical impossibility or lack of ability. Commonly used in written language or formal speech with verbs of mental perception like '信じる' (believe), '許す' (forgive), '理解する' (understand), '受け入れる' (accept), or '想像する' (imagine).
Examples
彼の話は信じがたい内容だった。
His story was hard to believe.
幼い子供を虐待するなんて、許しがたい行為だ。
Abusing young children is an unforgivable act.
彼がそんな嘘をつくなんて、理解しがたい。
It's difficult to understand why he would tell such a lie.
この申し出は、私には受け入れがたい。
This offer is difficult for me to accept.
彼女が突然いなくなるなんて、想像しがたい。
It's hard to imagine her suddenly disappearing.
あの二人が別れるなんて、信じがたいことだ。
It's hard to believe those two are breaking up.