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〜ないものか・〜ないものだろうか

isn't there some way to …?, if only

Verb ない-form (often potential) + ものか / ものだろうか

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ないものか expresses a strong wish that something could somehow happen, phrased as a question: もっと安く行ける方法はないものか, "isn't there some cheaper way to get there?"

It's often used with potential verbs and 何とか ("somehow"): 何とかならないものか, "isn't there something that can be done?" The speaker is searching for a solution, not really asking.

ないものだろうか is softer and more polite.

Don't confuse it with ものか (N2, "as if I would!"), which after a positive verb is a strong refusal. With a negative, the meaning flips into a longing wish.

Examples

  • もっと安やすく行いける方法ほうほうはないものか。

    Isn't there some cheaper way to get there?

  • 何なんとかならないものか。

    Isn't there something that can be done?

  • この状況じょうきょうを変かえられないものだろうか。

    Is there really no way to change this situation?

  • 早はやく夏休なつやすみにならないものか。

    If only the summer holidays would hurry up and come.

  • 彼かれの病気びょうきが治なおらないものかと、毎日祈まいにちいのっている。

    Every day I pray that somehow his illness will be cured.

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