At a glance
～には及ばない has two meanings. With an action it means "there is no need to ~", usually as a polite reply to an offer, thanks or an apology. With a person or thing it means "cannot match ~".
Verb (dictionary form) + には及ばない → there is no need to ~
Noun (often a する-noun) + には及ばない → there is no need for ~
Noun (person / thing) + には及ばない → cannot match ~
ご心配には及びません。 There's no need to worry.
How to form it
には及ばない attaches to a verb in the dictionary form or to a noun:
| Attaches to | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (dictionary form) | 来るには及ばない | there is no need to come |
| Noun (often a する-noun) | 心配には及ばない | there is no need to worry |
| Noun (person / thing) | 彼には及ばない | cannot match him |
及ぶ conjugates like a normal う-verb:
| Form | Polite | Casual |
|---|---|---|
| Present | 及びません | 及ばない |
| Past | 及びませんでした | 及ばなかった |