JLPT N2 Grammar
· Upper Intermediate
Search pages and navigate
· Upper Intermediate
Cannot (for social, moral, or situational reasons)
Category: Judgment & Opinion
The grammar pattern "V-dictionary / V-nai + わけにはいかない" is used to express that the speaker wants to do or not do something but is prevented by social expectations, common sense, or a sense of duty. This pattern is often used in situations where the speaker feels obligated to act in a certain way due to social norms or expectations. It is not used to express a simple lack of ability or a forced action by external circumstances.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| dictionary form | V-dictionary + わけにはいかない | 食べるわけにはいかない (I don't dare to eat) |
| nai form | V-nai + わけにはいかない | 休むわけにはいかない (I don't dare to take a break) |
| te form | V-te + わけにはいかない | 行くわけにはいかない (I don't dare to go) |
明日は大事な会議があるから、休むわけにはいかない。
Ashita wa daiji na kaigi ga aru kara, yasumu wake ni wa ikanai.
I don't dare to take a break tomorrow because there's an important meeting.
明日は大事な会議があるから (tomorrow is an important meeting because) + 休むわけにはいかない (I don't dare to take a break)
お世話になった先生の頼みなら、断るわけにはいかない。
Osewa ni natta sensei no tanomi nara, katsu wake ni wa ikanai.
I don't dare to refuse a request from a teacher who has helped me.
お世話になった先生の頼みなら (a request from a teacher who has helped me) + 断るわけにはいかない (I don't dare to refuse)
試験まであと一週間だから、遊んでばかりいるわけにはいかない。
Shiken made ato ichi shūkan kara, asonde bakari iru wake ni wa ikanai.
I don't dare to play all the time because there's only one week left until the exam.
試験まであと一週間だから (there's only one week left until the exam because) + 遊んでばかりいるわけにはいかない (I don't dare to play all the time)
This pattern is used in formal and informal situations to express a sense of obligation or duty. It is often used in situations where the speaker feels pressured by social norms or expectations. It is not used to express a simple lack of ability or a forced action by external circumstances.
～わけにはいかない is used to express a sense of obligation or duty, while ～できない is used to express a simple lack of ability.
～わけにはいかない is used to express a sense of obligation or duty, while ～ざるを得ない is used to express a forced action by external circumstances.
nai wake ni wa ikanai is a double negative expression that means 'I don't dare to do something', not 'I must do something'.
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form of the verb (dictionary, nai, or te) and the correct expression of obligation or duty. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with ～できない or ～ざるを得ない.
明日は大事な会議があるから、休む______。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.