～わけにはいかない
You can't do something, even if you want to, because of social rules or your conscience.
Explanation at your level:
Imagine you have a yummy cookie, but your little brother is crying because he wants one too. Even though you *can* eat your cookie, you *can't* eat it right now because it wouldn't be nice to your brother. That's like ～わけにはいかない. It means you shouldn't do something because it's not fair or kind, even if you really want to or it's easy to do. It's like a rule in your heart that stops you from doing something.
This phrase, ～わけにはいかない, is used when you have a reason why you absolutely *must not* do something. It's not that you are unable to do it, but rather that doing it would be wrong, inappropriate, or cause problems. For example, if you promised to help a friend, you can't just decide not to show up, even if you feel tired. You have to go because you made a promise. It's about social rules and what's expected of you.
～わけにはいかない expresses a situation where performing an action is impossible due to social norms, moral obligations, or personal principles, rather than a lack of ability. For instance, if you're a doctor, you can't just ignore a patient in need, even if it's late. Your professional duty prevents you. It signifies a constraint imposed by circumstances or one's conscience, making the action unacceptable.
The expression ～わけにはいかない conveys a strong sense of obligation or moral imperative that prevents an action, despite the physical possibility of carrying it out. It highlights a conflict between desire or capability and duty or social expectation. For example, a politician cannot accept bribes, not because they lack the means, but because it violates ethical standards and public trust. It implies that the consequences of acting would be socially or morally unacceptable.
In advanced Japanese, ～わけにはいかない is employed to articulate complex scenarios where societal expectations, ethical codes, or deeply ingrained personal values preclude certain actions. It transcends simple inability, delving into the realm of justifiable inaction or refusal based on a higher principle. Consider a journalist who cannot publish classified information, even if they possess it, due to legal and ethical obligations that supersede their professional role. This expression often carries a tone of resignation or principled stand.
Mastery of ～わけにはいかない involves understanding its subtle implications in nuanced contexts. It signifies a refusal predicated on a perceived impossibility rooted in the fabric of social order, moral law, or personal integrity. It's not merely a statement of 'can't,' but a profound declaration of 'ought not,' often reflecting a deep consideration of consequences and responsibilities. For example, a judge cannot rule based on personal bias, as impartiality is a cornerstone of the judicial system. The expression encapsulates situations where deviating from a prescribed norm or ethical standard is fundamentally untenable.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Expresses inability to do something due to social/moral reasons.
- Not about physical inability, but about 'shouldn't'.
- Attached to the plain or negative form of verbs.
- Carries a sense of obligation, duty, or conscience.
Hey there! Let's dive into the super useful Japanese expression ～わけにはいかない. Think of it as your go-to phrase when you absolutely *can't* do something, not because you're unable, but because you *shouldn't*. It's all about those social expectations, moral compasses, or just plain common sense telling you 'nope, not a good idea'.
Imagine you promised your friend you'd help them move, but then your grandma asks you to visit her on the same day. Even though you *could* technically help your friend, you feel like you *can't* because you have a prior, important commitment to your family. That's the vibe of ～わけにはいかない! It's that internal or external 'hold up!' that stops you from acting, even if the action itself is physically possible.
This isn't about being incapable like 'I can't lift this box' (それはできない - sore wa dekinai). Instead, it's about the *reason* you're not doing it. It's a powerful way to express a sense of duty, obligation, or simply the social pressure that guides our behavior. Pretty neat, right?
The building blocks of ～わけにはいかない give us a clue to its meaning. The core is わけ (wake), which means 'reason', 'logic', or 'circumstance'. Then we have に (ni), a particle often indicating direction or purpose, and は (wa), the topic marker. Finally, いかない (ikanai) is the negative form of the verb 行く (iku), meaning 'to go'.
Literally, you could think of it as 'it doesn't go with the reason' or 'it doesn't proceed according to the circumstances'. Over time, this evolved into the nuanced meaning we use today: 'it is not permissible to proceed with this action given the circumstances or reasons'. It captures the idea that the situation or one's own sense of right and wrong prevents the action from 'going forward'.
While pinpointing an exact 'invention' date is tricky for grammatical expressions, this construction likely developed organically as a way to articulate complex social and moral reasoning in the Japanese language. It reflects a cultural emphasis on harmony, obligation, and considering the impact of one's actions on others. It's a sophisticated way to say 'I can't because I shouldn't'.
So, when do you whip out ～わけにはいかない? It's perfect for situations where you're facing a conflict between what you *could* do and what you *should* do. Think about telling a white lie to spare someone's feelings – you *could* tell the truth, but you feel you *can't* because it would hurt them. That's a classic ～わけにはいかない moment.
It's often used with verbs in the dictionary form (plain form) or the ない-form (negative form). For example, 休むわけにはいかない (yasumu wake ni wa ikanai) means 'I can't afford to take a day off' (maybe because of work deadlines). Or 嘘をつくわけにはいかない (uso o tsuku wake ni wa ikanai) means 'I can't tell a lie' (because it's against your principles).
This expression carries a slightly more formal or serious tone than simply saying you don't want to do something. It implies a genuine reason, often rooted in social norms or personal ethics. You'll hear it in everyday conversations, but also in more formal settings where people are explaining their difficult choices. Remember, it's about the *reason* you can't, not the *ability*.
While ～わけにはいかない is a set expression itself, it often appears in contexts that feel idiomatic. It's the core of expressing a refusal based on principle.
1. 責任があるから、知らないふりをするわけにはいかない (Sekinin ga aru kara, shiranai furi o suru wake ni wa ikanai)
- Meaning: Because I have responsibility, I can't pretend I don't know.
- Example: 事故を目撃したので、知らないふりをするわけにはいかない。(Jiko o mokugeki shita node, shiranai furi o suru wake ni wa ikanai.) - Since I witnessed the accident, I can't pretend I didn't see it.
2. 約束したから、破るわけにはいかない (Yakusoku shita kara, yaburu wake ni wa ikanai)
- Meaning: Because I made a promise, I can't break it.
- Example: 彼との約束だから、どんなことがあっても破るわけにはいかない。(Kare to no yakusoku dakara, donna koto ga atte mo yaburu wake ni wa ikanai.) - It's a promise I made with him, so no matter what, I can't break it.
3. 家族がいるから、無責任なことはするわけにはいかない (Kazoku ga iru kara, musekinin na koto wa suru wake ni wa ikanai)
- Meaning: Because I have a family, I can't do irresponsible things.
- Example: 家族がいる以上、無責任なことはするわけにはいかない。(Kazoku ga iru ijō, musekinin na koto wa suru wake ni wa ikanai.) - As long as I have a family, I can't do irresponsible things.
4. 体調が悪くても、休むわけにはいかない (Taichō ga warukute mo, yasumu wake ni wa ikanai)
- Meaning: Even if I feel sick, I can't take a day off.
- Example: 明日は大事な会議があるから、体調が悪くても休むわけにはいかない。(Ashita wa daiji na kaigi ga aru kara, taichō ga warukute mo yasumu wake ni wa ikanai.) - There's an important meeting tomorrow, so even if I feel sick, I can't take the day off.
5. 倫理的に、それは許されるわけにはいかない (Rinriteki ni, sore wa yurusareru wake ni wa ikanai)
- Meaning: Ethically, that cannot be permitted.
- Example: そのような不正行為は、倫理的に許されるわけにはいかない。(Sono yō na fusei kōi wa, rinriteki ni yurusareru wake ni wa ikanai.) - Such unethical behavior cannot be ethically permitted.
The structure is typically: [Verb Dictionary Form] + わけにはいかない or [Verb ない Form] + わけにはいかない. For example, 食べる (taberu - to eat) becomes 食べるわけにはいかない (taberu wake ni wa ikanai - I can't eat [because I shouldn't]). If you want to negate the verb itself within the phrase, like 'I can't *not* do it', you'd use the ない-form: 食べないわけにはいかない (tabenai wake ni wa ikanai - I can't *not* eat it; I have to eat it). This second usage is less common but grammatically sound.
Pronunciation-wise, the phrase is relatively straightforward. Let's break it down: わ (wa), け (ke), に (ni), は (wa), い (i), か (ka), な (na), い (i). So, it sounds like 'wa-keh nee wa ee-kah-nee'. Pay attention to the 'wa' sound for both わけ and は, as they are pronounced the same. The stress tends to be fairly even across the syllables, with perhaps a slight emphasis on 'wa-KEH' and 'ee-KA-nee'.
There aren't really plural forms or articles associated with this expression as it functions as a fixed grammatical pattern. It's attached to verbs to modify their meaning. Rhyming words aren't particularly relevant here, as it's a grammatical construction rather than a single lexical item.
Fun Fact
The structure evolved from a more literal meaning of 'circumstances preventing progress' to the nuanced moral/social obligation we use today.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'whack-eh nee wah ee-kah-nai'. Emphasize the 'whack-EH' and 'ee-KAH-nai' parts.
Sounds like 'wah-keh nee wah ee-kah-nai'. Similar to UK, with a slightly softer 'w' sound.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing 'wake' as 'week'.
- Pronouncing 'ni wa' as 'nee-wah' instead of 'nee wah' (slight pause/separation).
- Incorrect stress, making it sound monotonous.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of nuance and context.
Correct usage depends on grasping the subtle meaning.
Natural use requires practice with context.
Can be confused with similar expressions if not listening carefully.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (Plain Form)
食べる (taberu) -> taberu
Verb Conjugation (Negative Form)
食べる (taberu) -> 食べない (tabenai)
Particles (に, は)
Contextual usage of particles.
Examples by Level
お菓子を食べたいけど、弟が泣いているから、食べてしまうわけにはいかない。
Cookie eat want but, brother crying because, eating go-on cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
宿題が終わらないけど、ゲームをするわけにはいかない。
Homework finish not but, game do cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
友達が待っているから、遅刻するわけにはいかない。
Friend waiting because, be late cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
これは秘密だから、誰かに話すわけにはいかない。
This secret because, to anyone tell cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
お母さんが心配するから、危ないことはするわけにはいかない。
Mother worry because, dangerous things do cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
約束したから、行かないわけにはいかない。
Promised because, go cannot.
Verb ない form + わけにはいかない
病気だけど、休むわけにはいかない。
Sick but, rest cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
お金がないから、高いものを買うわけにはいかない。
Money not have because, expensive things buy cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
明日は大事な会議があるから、遅刻するわけにはいかない。
Tomorrow important meeting is because, be late cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
彼は約束を守る人だから、破るわけにはいかないだろう。
He promise keep person because, break cannot probably.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
家族がいるので、無責任な行動をするわけにはいきません。
Family is so, irresponsible actions do cannot (polite).
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいきません (polite)
この仕事は重要なので、途中で投げ出すわけにはいかない。
This work important because, midway give up cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
体調が悪いけれど、大切な試験だから休むわけにはいかない。
Physical condition bad but, important exam because rest cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
秘密を漏らすわけにはいかないので、口を閉ざした。
Secret leak cannot because, mouth shut.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
子供の前で嘘をつくわけにはいかない。
Child's presence in lie tell cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
約束の時間に間に合わないわけにはいかないから、急ごう。
Promise time arrive not cannot because, let's hurry.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
親として、子供に悪い影響を与えるようなことはするわけにはいかない。
As a parent, child to bad influence give like things do cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
このプロジェクトは会社の命運がかかっているので、失敗するわけにはいかない。
This project company's fate depends on because, fail cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえ困難でも、国民との約束を破るわけにはいかない。
Even if difficult, with the citizens promise break cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
不正を知りながら見て見ぬふりをするわけにはいかない。
Injustice knowing while turn blind eye do cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
緊急事態なので、個人的な都合で休むわけにはいかない。
Emergency situation because, personal convenience for rest cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
長年の努力があるから、ここで諦めるわけにはいかない。
Many years of effort exist because, here give up cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
倫理的な観点から、その提案を受け入れるわけにはいかない。
Ethical viewpoint from, that proposal accept cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
国民の信頼を裏切るようなことはするわけにはいかない。
Citizens' trust betray like things do cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえ個人的な感情があったとしても、公務員として中立を保つわけにはいかない。
Even if personal feelings exist, as a public servant neutrality maintain cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
この技術は社会に大きな影響を与える可能性があるため、安易に導入するわけにはいかない。
This technology society to big impact give potential because, easily introduce cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
長年の経験から、この問題を見過ごすわけにはいかないと判断した。
From many years of experience, this problem overlook cannot decided.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
国民の生命と安全を守るという使命がある以上、危険を冒すわけにはいかない。
Citizens' lives and safety protect as mission exists therefore, danger risk cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえ批判を受けようとも、真実を語らないわけにはいかない。
Even if criticism receive, truth speak not cannot.
Verb ない form + わけにはいかない
この歴史的建造物は、未来の世代のために保存しなければならないので、解体するわけにはいかない。
This historical building, for future generations preserve must because, demolish cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
企業の社会的責任として、環境汚染を引き起こすような行為は許されるわけにはいかない。
As corporate social responsibility, environmental pollution cause like actions permitted cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえ不利な状況であっても、法の精神に反するような判決を下すわけにはいかない。
Even if disadvantageous situation, law's spirit against like judgment give cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
個人の自由も重要だが、公共の福祉に反するような行動は、社会として許容するわけにはいかない。
Individual freedom also important but, public welfare against like actions, as society permit cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
その研究は倫理委員会の承認を得ていないため、現段階で発表するわけにはいかない。
That research ethics committee approval obtained not because, at current stage announce cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえ個人的な犠牲を伴うとしても、国家の安全保障に関わる機密情報を漏洩させるわけにはいかない。
Even if personal sacrifice involves, national security related classified information leak cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
歴史の教訓に鑑みれば、過ちを繰り返すような政策を推進するわけにはいかない。
Historical lessons consider if, mistakes repeat like policies promote cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえ世論の風当たりが強くとも、信念に基づいて行動しないわけにはいかない。
Even if public opinion's headwind strong, based on beliefs act not cannot.
Verb ない form + わけにはいかない
その芸術作品は、現代社会の矛盾を鋭く風刺しているため、単なる装飾品として扱うわけにはいかない。
That artwork, modern society's contradictions sharply satirizes because, as mere decoration treat cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
国際社会の一員として、人道上の危機を無視して傍観するわけにはいかない。
As a member of international society, humanitarian crisis ignore stand by cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえそれが困難な道であったとしても、正義と公正を追求する義務を放棄するわけにはいかない。
Even if it is a difficult path, justice and fairness pursue duty abandon cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
その政治家の発言は、国民の間に不必要な不安を惹起しかねないため、公の場で無責任に繰り返されるわけにはいかない。
That politician's statement, among citizens unnecessary anxiety cause potentially because, in public forum irresponsibly repeated cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
科学的探求の自由は尊重されるべきだが、人倫にもとる実験を敢行することは、学術界全体の信頼を損なうため、許容されるわけにはいかない。
Scientific inquiry's freedom respected should be but, violating human ethics experiments carry out, academic world entire trust damage because, permitted cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえそれが一時的な利益につながるとしても、歴史的遺産を破壊するような開発行為は、文化的な連続性を断ち切るため容認されるわけにはいかない。
Even if it temporary profit leads, historical heritage destroy like development actions, cultural continuity break because accepted cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
国家間の緊張が高まる状況下であっても、対話による平和的解決の可能性を放棄し、武力に訴えるような選択は、国際秩序の観点から許されるわけにはいかない。
Even under escalating international tension, dialogue peaceful resolution possibility abandon, resort to force like choice, from international order viewpoint permitted cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
たとえそれが世俗的な成功をもたらすものであっても、道徳的・倫理的な規範から逸脱した行為は、個人の尊厳と社会全体の健全性を蝕むため、決して肯定されるわけにはいかない。
Even if it secular success brings, morally/ethically deviant actions, individual dignity and society's overall health erode because, never affirmed cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
その芸術家の表現は、社会のタブーに触れるものであったが、表現の自由という観点から、一方的に検閲されるわけにはいかなかった。
That artist's expression, society's taboos touch but, from viewpoint of freedom of expression, unilaterally censored cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかなかった (past tense)
たとえそれが個人の自由な選択であったとしても、他者の権利を侵害し、社会的な調和を乱す行為は、法や倫理の観点から容認されるわけにはいかない。
Even if it individual free choice, others' rights infringe, social harmony disrupt actions, from law and ethics viewpoint accepted cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
歴史の審判を恐れず、真実を追求する使命を帯びた者として、都合の悪い事実から目を背けるわけにはいかない。
Historical judgment fear not, truth pursue mission bearing as, inconvenient facts from eyes turn away cannot.
Verb dictionary form + わけにはいかない
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"知らぬ存ぜぬ (shiranu zonzenu)"
To pretend ignorance; to feign not knowing.
彼は不正を知っていたが、知らぬ存ぜぬを決め込んだ。(He knew about the corruption but pretended ignorance.)
casual/neutral"見て見ぬふりをする (mite minu furi o suru)"
To pretend not to see; to turn a blind eye.
不正行為を見て見ぬふりをするわけにはいかない。(I can't turn a blind eye to the wrongdoing.)
neutral"口を割る (kuchi o waru)"
To confess; to spill the beans (often under pressure).
拷問されても口を割るわけにはいかない。(Even under torture, I cannot break and confess.)
neutral/literary"身を引く (mi o hiku)"
To withdraw; to step down; to refrain from.
責任があるから、ここで身を引くわけにはいかない。(Because I have responsibility, I cannot withdraw now.)
neutral"腹を括る (hara o kukuru)"
To brace oneself; to make up one's mind (to do something difficult).
どんな結果になろうとも、この決断を実行する腹を括った。(I braced myself to carry out this decision, whatever the outcome.)
neutral"辞さない (jisanai)"
To not decline; to not refuse (often used in formal contexts for accepting responsibility or a position).
この重大な任務、辞さない。(I will not decline this important mission.)
formalEasily Confused
Both use the word 'wake' (reason/circumstance).
～わけがない means 'there is no reason why...' or 'it's impossible that...'. It expresses certainty about something *not* being true or happening. ～わけにはいかない means 'cannot do (due to obligation/morality)' and expresses the impossibility of *performing* an action.
彼が嘘をつくわけがない。(Kare ga uso o tsuku wake ga nai.) - There's no way he would lie. vs. 彼は嘘をつくわけにはいかない。(Kare wa uso o tsuku wake ni wa ikanai.) - He cannot lie (because it's wrong).
Both express a form of necessity or inability to avoid an action.
～なければならない means 'must do' or 'have to do'. It's about obligation or necessity. ～わけにはいかない means 'cannot do (because I shouldn't)'. It's about avoiding an action due to moral/social reasons.
宿題をしなければならない。(Shukudai o shinakereba naranai.) - I must do my homework. vs. 宿題をしないわけにはいかない。(Shukudai o shinai wake ni wa ikanai.) - I can't *not* do my homework (I have to do it).
Both express that something shouldn't be done.
～べきではない is a stronger moral judgment or advice ('should not'). It's often a direct statement of what is right or wrong. ～わけにはいかない focuses more on the *impossibility* of acting due to the circumstances, conscience, or social pressure, rather than just stating it's wrong.
そんなことを言うべきではない。(Son'na koto o iu beki de wa nai.) - You shouldn't say that. vs. そんなことを言うわけにはいかない。(Son'na koto o iu wake ni wa ikanai.) - I can't say such a thing (perhaps because it would hurt someone deeply or break a confidence).
Both indicate prohibition or inability.
～てはいけない is a direct prohibition ('must not', 'is not allowed'). It's often a rule. ～わけにはいかない implies a reason (social, moral, duty) that makes the action unacceptable or impossible *for the person*, even if not explicitly forbidden by a rule.
ここで走ってはいけない。(Koko de hashitte wa ikenai.) - You must not run here (it's forbidden). vs. 友達が待っているから、遅刻するわけにはいかない。(Tomodachi ga matte iru kara, chikoku suru wake ni wa ikanai.) - My friend is waiting, so I can't be late (due to the promise/obligation).
Sentence Patterns
Verb (Dictionary Form) + わけにはいかない
病気だけど、休むわけにはいかない。
Verb (ない Form) + わけにはいかない
真実を語らないわけにはいかない。
[Reason/Circumstance] + から/ので/以上, Verb + わけにはいかない
約束したから、破るわけにはいかない。
Noun + は/も + Verb (Dictionary Form) + わけにはいかない
秘密は漏らすわけにはいかない。
Adverb + Verb (Dictionary Form) + わけにはいかない
軽々しく言うわけにはいかない。
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Verwandt
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
～わけにはいかない implies a moral or social reason for not doing something, not a lack of skill or physical possibility. For example, 'I can't lift this heavy box' is 重い箱は持ち上げられない (omoi hako wa mochiagerarenai), not 持ち上げるわけにはいかない (mochiageru wake ni wa ikanai).
These sound similar but have opposite meanings. ～わけがない expresses certainty that something is untrue or impossible, while ～わけにはいかない expresses the impossibility of performing an action due to external/internal constraints.
～わけにはいかない suggests a stronger, often external or ethical, reason. Saying 'I don't want to go to the party' is パーティーに行きたくない (pātī ni ikitakunai). Saying 'I can't go to the party' due to a prior commitment is パーティーには行けない (pātī ni wa ikenai) or パーティーには行くわけにはいかない (pātī ni wa iku wake ni wa ikanai) if the reason is social/moral.
Common error is attaching it to the polite -masu form or other conjugations incorrectly. Remember: Verb[plain] + わけにはいかない or Verb[nai] + わけにはいかない.
While ～わけにはいきません is correct for politeness, relying on it exclusively can sound stiff in informal contexts. Conversely, using the plain form with superiors is rude.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a 'wake' (reason) board blocking a path. You can see the goal (doing the action), but the 'wake' board stops you from 'going' (ikanai) forward. The board has 'Social Rules' and 'Morality' written on it.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for it when characters in dramas have to make difficult choices due to their job, family obligations, or promises. E.g., A doctor working overtime, a politician refusing a bribe, a friend keeping a secret.
Cultural Insight
This expression highlights the importance of 'honne' (true feelings) vs. 'tatemae' (public facade) and the strong emphasis on social harmony and fulfilling one's role/duty in Japanese culture.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: Verb [Plain Form] + わけにはいかない. It's a fixed pattern, so once you know the verb's plain form, you can use it!
Say It Right
Practice saying 'wa-KEH nee wah EE-kah-nee' clearly. Focus on the rhythm and ensure the 'wa' sounds in 'wake' and 'wa' are distinct.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using it for simple inability (like 'I can't lift this'). Reserve it for when social/moral reasons stop you.
Did You Know?
The word 'wake' (訳) itself has many meanings related to reason, logic, and translation. This expression cleverly uses 'wake' to signify that the 'reason' or 'circumstance' prevents the action.
Study Smart
Create flashcards with scenarios (e.g., 'You promised to help a friend but got sick') on one side and the correct Japanese sentence using ～わけにはいかない on the other.
Compare and Contrast
Actively compare ～わけにはいかない with ～べきではない and ～てはいけない. Writing down the differences and example sentences will solidify your understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'wake' (reason) and 'ikanai' (doesn't go). So, 'The reason doesn't allow it to go forward.' You *can* do it, but the *reason* says NO!
Visual Association
Imagine a person wanting to take a cookie but seeing their parent's disapproving face. They *can* take it, but the 'reason' (parent's reaction, being good) stops them. Their hand hovers, unable to complete the action.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Think of a situation in your life where you *could* do something but felt you *shouldn't*. Try to express that using ～わけにはいかない.
Wortherkunft
Japanese
Original meaning: Literally, 'it doesn't go according to the reason/circumstance'.
Kultureller Kontext
This expression reflects the Japanese cultural value placed on 'gaman' (endurance/perseverance) and 'honne/tatemae' (true feelings vs. public facade), where actions are often guided by social harmony and consideration for others.
In English, we might express this with phrases like 'I can't possibly...', 'I shouldn't really...', 'It wouldn't be right to...', or 'I have a prior commitment'. The Japanese expression often carries a stronger sense of social pressure or internalized ethics.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Workplace
- 大事な会議があるから、休むわけにはいかない。
- 納期があるので、遅れるわけにはいかない。
- 会社の信用に関わるから、ミスをするわけにはいかない。
Personal Relationships
- 友達との約束だから、破るわけにはいかない。
- 家族がいるから、無責任なことはするわけにはいかない。
- 困っている人を見捨てるわけにはいかない。
Ethical Dilemmas
- 不正を知って、知らないふりをするわけにはいかない。
- 倫理的に、それは許されるわけにはいかない。
- 真実を隠すわけにはいかない。
Health and Well-being
- 体調が悪くても、休むわけにはいかない。
- 医者として、患者を見捨てるわけにはいかない。
Conversation Starters
"What's something you feel you *can't* do, even if you want to, because of your responsibilities?"
"Can you think of a time you had to say 'I can't do that' for moral reasons?"
"If you were in charge, what's something you'd say 'we can't do' for the company's reputation?"
"Describe a situation where you felt obligated to act, even though it was difficult."
"How does the idea of 'can't do because shouldn't' differ from 'can't do because unable'?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you followed your conscience and didn't do something you could have done.
Reflect on a promise you made and why it was important for you not to break it.
Consider your personal values. What actions would you feel you 'can't' take, regardless of the circumstances?
Think about a societal rule or expectation. How does it influence what you feel you 'can't' do?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 Fragen～てはいけない is a direct prohibition ('must not do'). ～わけにはいかない implies a deeper reason, like social obligation or morality, preventing the action, even if it's not strictly forbidden by rules. It's more nuanced.
No, it's specifically for situations where you *can* do something physically but *shouldn't* due to other reasons. For physical inability, use ～られない or ～できない.
Yes, the expression itself is negative ('cannot do'). However, you can negate the verb *within* the expression to mean 'must do' (e.g., ～ないわけにはいかない), but this is less common.
Use ～わけにはいきません when speaking to superiors, elders, clients, or in formal situations where politeness is required.
Only if the reason you don't want to do it is based on social rules, ethics, or a sense of duty. If it's just personal preference, use ～したくない (shitaku nai - don't want to do).
It most commonly refers to the speaker's inability due to obligation, but it can also be used to describe someone else's situation if the speaker understands the social/moral constraints they face.
Not exactly. 'I can't help it' often implies something unavoidable *happens* (like sneezing). ～わけにはいかない is about choosing *not* to do something because you shouldn't.
～べきではない is a stronger moral judgment or advice ('should not'). ～わけにはいかない focuses more on the *impossibility* of acting due to circumstances or conscience, often implying a prior commitment or role.
Teste dich selbst
友達が待っているから、遅刻する______。
The sentence means 'My friend is waiting, so I can't be late.' This requires the expression ～わけにはいかない.
Which sentence correctly uses ～わけにはいかない to mean 'I can't lie because it's wrong'?
～わけにはいかない indicates that one cannot do something due to moral or social reasons. '嘘をつくわけにはいかない' means 'I can't tell a lie'.
The expression ～わけにはいかない is used when you are physically unable to do something.
False. ～わけにはいかない is used when you *can* physically do something, but you *shouldn't* due to moral, social, or ethical reasons.
Word
Bedeutung
These examples show the core meaning of ～わけにはいかない: inability due to obligation or social pressure.
Put the words in the correct order: 家族 / 責任 / だから / ある / 無責任な / わけにはいかない / ことは / する
The correct sentence is '家族に責任があるから、無責任なことはするわけにはいかない。' (Kazoku ni sekinin ga aru kara, musekinin na koto wa suru wake ni wa ikanai.) - Because I have a responsibility to my family, I can't do irresponsible things.
この仕事は重要なので、途中で______。
The context implies a strong obligation not to give up. '投げ出すわけにはいかない' (nage dasu wake ni wa ikanai) means 'I can't give up midway'.
Which situation best fits the use of ～わけにはいかない?
The doctor's inability to ignore a patient stems from professional ethics and duty, fitting the nuance of ～わけにはいかない.
The expression ～わけにはいかない can be used to express a strong personal conviction against doing something, even if society permits it.
Yes, it can reflect personal ethics or conscience preventing an action, even if external rules don't strictly forbid it.
たとえ個人的な犠牲を伴う______、国家の安全に関わる情報を漏らすわけにはいかない。
The sentence structure requires a concessive clause like 'even if'. 'としても' (toshitemo) fits this context, meaning 'even if it involves personal sacrifice'.
国際社会の一員として、人道上の危機を無視して傍観するわけにはいかない。 Because ______.
This completes the thought, emphasizing the global responsibility implied by the original sentence.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
Use ～わけにはいかない when you *can* do something, but you *shouldn't* because of your responsibilities, morals, or social expectations.
- Expresses inability to do something due to social/moral reasons.
- Not about physical inability, but about 'shouldn't'.
- Attached to the plain or negative form of verbs.
- Carries a sense of obligation, duty, or conscience.
Memory Palace Trick
Visualize a 'wake' (reason) board blocking a path. You can see the goal (doing the action), but the 'wake' board stops you from 'going' (ikanai) forward. The board has 'Social Rules' and 'Morality' written on it.
When Native Speakers Use It
Listen for it when characters in dramas have to make difficult choices due to their job, family obligations, or promises. E.g., A doctor working overtime, a politician refusing a bribe, a friend keeping a secret.
Cultural Insight
This expression highlights the importance of 'honne' (true feelings) vs. 'tatemae' (public facade) and the strong emphasis on social harmony and fulfilling one's role/duty in Japanese culture.
Grammar Shortcut
Remember: Verb [Plain Form] + わけにはいかない. It's a fixed pattern, so once you know the verb's plain form, you can use it!
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