N3Expectation and Judgment

V(dictionary) / V(ない) + わけにはいかない

Q: Is "Using this pattern to express physical inability" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the pattern "V(dekinai)"". This pattern is not suitable for expressing physical inability, as it implies a sense of responsibility or duty.

Q: Is "Confusing the affirmative and negative meanings" correct?

No. The correct form is "Pay attention to the dictionary or negative form of the verb". The dictionary form of the verb is used to convey the idea that something is not allowed, while the negative form is used to emphasize the necessity of doing something.

Q: Is "Applying this pattern to general facts" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a more general pattern, such as "V(る)"". This pattern is used to express a sense of responsibility or duty towards others, and is not suitable for expressing general facts.

cannot/must not (social/moral)

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V(dictionary) / V(ない) + わけにはいかない" is used to express that one cannot do something or must do something due to social common sense, duty, or conscience. The dictionary form of the verb is used to convey the idea that something is not allowed or is a moral obligation, while the negative form of the verb is used to emphasize the necessity of doing something. This pattern is often used in situations where one feels a sense of responsibility or duty towards others, and is not suitable for expressing physical inability or general facts.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Dictionary form	V(dictionary) + わけにはいかない	行くわけにはいかない (cannot go)
Negative form	V(ない) + わけにはいかない	行くわけにはいかない (must go)
Adjective form	Adj + わけにはいかない	大事なわけにはいかない (cannot be careless)

Examples

Example Sentences

明日は大事な試験があるから、今夜は勉強するわけにはいかない。

Ashita wa daiji na shiken ga aru kara, kyonaya wa benkyou suru wake ni ikanai.

Since there's an important exam tomorrow, I cannot study tonight.

明日は大事な試験があるから (tomorrow is an important exam) + 今夜は勉強するわけにはいかない (cannot study tonight)

恩人に頼まれたことだから、助けるわけにはいかない。

Onjin ni tanomareta koto kara, tasukeru wake ni ikanai.

Since I was asked by a benefactor, I must help.

恩人に頼まれたことだから (since I was asked by a benefactor) + 助けるわけにはいかない (must help)

みんな残業しているので、私だけ先に帰るわけにはいかない。

Minna zangyou shite iru node, watashi dake mae ni kaeru wake ni ikanai.

Since everyone is working overtime, I cannot leave first.

みんな残業しているので (since everyone is working overtime) + 私だけ先に帰るわけにはいかない (cannot leave first)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to express a sense of responsibility or duty towards others, and is not suitable for expressing physical inability or general facts. It is often used in formal or polite language.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using this pattern to express physical inability

Use the pattern "V(dekinai)"

This pattern is not suitable for expressing physical inability, as it implies a sense of responsibility or duty.

Confusing the affirmative and negative meanings

Pay attention to the dictionary or negative form of the verb

The dictionary form of the verb is used to convey the idea that something is not allowed, while the negative form is used to emphasize the necessity of doing something.

Applying this pattern to general facts

Use a more general pattern, such as "V(る)"

This pattern is used to express a sense of responsibility or duty towards others, and is not suitable for expressing general facts.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, pay attention to the dictionary or negative form of the verb, and make sure to use it to express a sense of responsibility or duty towards others.

In context