JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
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· Upper Intermediate
Can't help but; cannot stop doing
Category: Emotional Expression
The grammar pattern "動詞ナイ形 + ではいられない" is used to express a strong internal urge or emotion that cannot be suppressed. It implies that the speaker or someone they empathize with is compelled to act in a certain way due to their emotions. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of inevitability or helplessness in the face of one's emotions. It can be translated to English as 'can't help but' or 'cannot stop doing'.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nai-form of the verb (動詞のない形) | 動詞ない形 + ではいられない | 泣かないではいられない (cannot help but cry) |
| Nai-form of the verb (動詞のない形) | 動詞ない形 + ではいられない | 笑わないではいられない (cannot help but laugh) |
| Nai-form of the verb (動詞のない形) | 動詞ない形 + ではいられない | 助けられないではいられない (cannot help but help) |
この映画の悲しい結末を見たら、誰だって泣か______。
Kono eiga no kanashii kecute o mitara, dare datte nakaka______.
If you see the sad ending of this movie, anyone would cry.
この映画の悲しい結末を見たら (seeing the sad ending of this movie), 誰だって (anyone would), 泣か______ (cry), ではいられない (cannot help but)
彼の話があまりにおかしくて、笑わ______しまった。
Kare no hanashi ga amari ni okashikute, wara______ shimatta.
Because his talk was so strange, I couldn't help but laugh.
彼の話が (his talk was), あまりにおかしくて (so strange), 笑わ______ (laugh), しまった (ended up)
目の前で困っている人を見たら、助け______。
Me no mae de konnatteru hito o mitara, tasuke______.
If you see someone struggling in front of you, you can't help but help.
目の前で (in front of you), 困っている人を見たら (seeing someone struggling), 助け______ (help), ではいられない (cannot help but)
This pattern is used to express a strong internal urge or emotion that cannot be suppressed. It is often used in informal speech and writing. It can be used in a variety of situations, such as when someone is feeling overwhelmed by their emotions or when they are compelled to act in a certain way due to their emotions.
The nai-form of the verb is used to express a strong internal urge or emotion that cannot be suppressed. Using the dictionary form instead of the nai-form can change the meaning of the sentence.
This pattern is used to express a strong internal urge or emotion that cannot be suppressed. Using it with actions that are not spontaneous emotional reactions can change the meaning of the sentence.
～てはいられない is used to express that something cannot be done because it is not allowed or because it is too difficult. This pattern is used to express a strong internal urge or emotion that cannot be suppressed.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the nai-form of the verb and to use it with actions that are spontaneous emotional reactions. Also, be careful not to confuse it with ～てはいられない.
この映画の悲しい結末を見たら、誰だって泣か______。
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