~わけにはいかない
~わけにはいかない 30초 만에
- Expresses situational inability based on social/moral duty.
- Dictionary form + わけにはいかない = Cannot do.
- Nai-form + わけにはいかない = Must do.
- Used in formal, business, or serious personal contexts.
The Japanese grammar structure ~わけにはいかない (wake ni wa ikanai) is a sophisticated way to express a prohibition or an inability to act, not based on physical capability, but on social, moral, or psychological constraints. When you use this expression, you are saying that while you might physically be able to do something, your conscience, your sense of responsibility, or the expectations of society prevent you from doing so. It translates roughly to "I cannot afford to," "I must not," or "it is impossible for me to (given the circumstances)."
- Core Concept
- The word 'wake' (訳) refers to a reason, logic, or circumstance. 'Ikanai' means 'cannot go' or 'cannot proceed.' Together, they imply that the logic of the situation does not allow for a certain action to take place.
明日は大事な試験があるから、遊びに行くわけにはいかない。
(I have an important exam tomorrow, so I cannot afford to go out and play.)
This expression is deeply rooted in the Japanese concept of Giri (social obligation). It often appears in business contexts or formal social settings where one's personal desires are secondary to their role or the harmony of the group. For example, even if you are tired, you might feel you 'cannot' leave a party before your boss does because of the social 'wake' (circumstance).
病気の友人を放っておくわけにはいかない。
(I cannot simply leave a sick friend alone.)
- Nuance of Responsibility
- It carries a heavy weight of duty. It is often used when the speaker feels a strong internal pressure to do the 'right thing' regardless of their personal feelings.
社長の命令に背くわけにはいかない。
(I cannot go against the president's orders.)
上司に誘われたら、行かないわけにはいかない。
(If invited by my boss, I simply must go.)
- Social Context
- In Japanese culture, where group harmony (Wa) is paramount, this grammar point is essential for explaining why one's actions are restricted by the needs or expectations of others.
これ以上、家族に迷惑をかけるわけにはいかない。
(I cannot afford to trouble my family any further.)
Using ~わけにはいかない requires a solid understanding of verb forms. It is primarily attached to the dictionary form of a verb for the negative meaning ("cannot do") and the nai-form for the positive obligation ("must do").
- Grammar Rule 1: Affirmative Verb
- [Verb Dictionary Form] + わけにはいかない = Cannot do / Must not do (due to social/moral reasons).
Example: 休む (to rest) → 休むわけにはいかない (cannot rest).
もうすぐ締め切りなので、今寝るわけにはいかない。
(The deadline is soon, so I cannot afford to sleep now.)
- Grammar Rule 2: Negative Verb
- [Verb Nai-Form] + わけにはいかない = Must do / Have no choice but to do.
Example: 行かない (not go) → 行かないわけにはいかない (must go).
恩師の頼みなら、引き受けないわけにはいかない。
(If it's a request from my former teacher, I simply must accept it.)
It is important to note that wake is a noun, so technically this is a noun-modifying construction. However, it functions entirely as a compound auxiliary in modern Japanese. You will rarely see it used with adjectives or nouns directly; it is almost exclusively used with verbs to describe actions and behaviors.
車を運転するので、お酒を飲むわけにはいかない。
(Since I am driving, I cannot drink alcohol.)
- Politeness Levels
- To make it more polite, change 'ikanai' to 'いきません' (ikimasen).
Example: 諦めるわけにはいきません (I cannot give up - polite).
この秘密を誰かに話すわけにはいきません。
(I cannot tell this secret to anyone.)
You will encounter ~わけにはいかない in various settings where responsibility and social norms are at the forefront. It is a staple of business communication, news reporting, and serious interpersonal drama.
- In the Workplace
- Japanese work culture is famous for its strict hierarchy and group responsibility. You will hear employees say they 'cannot' leave early if a project is unfinished, or 'cannot' refuse a client's request.
プロジェクトのリーダーとして、失敗するわけにはいかない。
(As the project leader, I cannot afford to fail.)
In Anime and Manga, this phrase is often used during climactic moments. A hero might say they 'cannot' lose because they have people to protect, or a rival might say they 'cannot' let the protagonist pass. It adds a layer of moral weight to their actions.
仲間を見捨てるわけにはいかない!
(I cannot abandon my comrades!)
- In News and Media
- When politicians or public figures are interviewed, they use this to express their commitment to a policy or their inability to comment on sensitive matters.
国民の期待を裏切るわけにはいきません。
(We cannot betray the expectations of the citizens.)
たとえ反対されても、この計画を中止するわけにはいかない。
(Even if there is opposition, we cannot afford to cancel this plan.)
- Daily Life
- You'll hear it when people decline invitations or explain why they are working late. It's a way to say 'I'd like to, but my responsibilities won't let me.'
子供を一人で留守番させるわけにはいかない。
(I cannot leave the child home alone.)
The most frequent error learners make with ~わけにはいかない is confusing it with simple physical inability or other similar-sounding 'wake' expressions.
- Mistake 1: Physical Inability
- Incorrect: 漢字が書けないので、書くわけにはいかない。
Correct: 漢字が書けないので、書けません。
Explanation: 'Wake ni wa ikanai' is for social/moral reasons. If you literally don't know how to do something, use the potential form.
❌ ピアノが弾けないから、弾くわけにはいかない。
✅ ピアノが弾けないから、弾けません。
- Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Wake de wa nai'
- 'Wake de wa nai' means 'it doesn't mean that...' or 'it's not the case that...'.
Example: 嫌いなわけではない (It's not that I hate it) vs 食べるわけにはいかない (I cannot eat it).
❌ 忙しいわけにはいかない。
✅ 忙しいわけではない。
(Context: It's not that I'm busy.)
- Mistake 3: Wrong Verb Form
- Learners often use the past tense or potential form before 'wake ni wa ikanai'. It should almost always be the dictionary form or nai-form.
❌ 行ったわけにはいかない。
✅ 行くわけにはいかない。
- Mistake 4: Overusing it for Personal Desires
- If you just don't want to do something, don't use this. It sounds like you're claiming a moral high ground. Use 'shitakunai' instead.
❌ その映画を見るわけにはいかない (unless it's forbidden).
✅ その映画は見たくない。
Japanese has several ways to express obligation or prohibition. Understanding the difference between ~わけにはいかない and its synonyms is key to natural-sounding Japanese.
- Comparison: ~ざるを得ない (zaru o enai)
- Meaning: Have no choice but to...
Difference: 'Zaru o enai' is more formal and implies that external circumstances have forced your hand. 'Wake ni wa ikanai' focuses more on your internal sense of duty or social common sense.
中止せざるを得ない (No choice but to cancel - e.g., due to weather).
中止するわけにはいかない (Cannot cancel - e.g., because people are waiting).
- Comparison: ~てはいけない (te wa ikenai)
- Meaning: Must not (general prohibition).
Difference: 'Te wa ikenai' is a direct rule or command. 'Wake ni wa ikanai' is an explanation of why an action is impossible based on the situation.
ここで泳いではいけない (Direct rule: No swimming).
ここで泳ぐわけにはいかない (I can't swim here - e.g., because I'm wearing a suit).
- Comparison: ~なければならない (nakereba naranai)
- Meaning: Must (general obligation).
Difference: This is the standard 'must.' 'Nai wake ni wa ikanai' is a stronger, more nuanced 'must' that emphasizes the social pressure or the impossibility of doing otherwise.
行かなければならない (I must go - simple duty).
行かないわけにはいかない (I simply must go - I have no other choice socially).
- Comparison: ~どころではない (dokoro de wa nai)
- Meaning: Far from being able to... / Not the time for...
Difference: This implies that the current situation is so extreme that the action is out of the question.
遊ぶどころではない (It's not the time for playing - e.g., because of a disaster).
遊ぶわけにはいかない (I cannot play - e.g., because I have work).
How Formal Is It?
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난이도
알아야 할 문법
수준별 예문
しゅくだいがあるから、あそぶわけにはいかない。
I have homework, so I cannot play.
Simple dictionary form + wake ni wa ikanai.
あしたはテストだから、ねるわけにはいかない。
Tomorrow is a test, so I cannot sleep.
Focus on the 'reason' (test).
おかあさんとのやくそくだから、わすれるわけにはいかない。
It's a promise to my mom, so I cannot forget.
Moral obligation to a parent.
びょうきだから、がっこうにいくわけにはいかない。
I'm sick, so I cannot go to school.
Situational inability.
あぶないから、ひとりでいくわけにはいかない。
It's dangerous, so I cannot go alone.
Safety as a reason.
だいじなものだから、すてるわけにはいかない。
It's important, so I cannot throw it away.
Emotional value as a reason.
ともだちがまっているから、おくれるわけにはいかない。
My friend is waiting, so I cannot be late.
Social pressure from a friend.
ひみつだから、はなすわけにはいかない。
It's a secret, so I cannot talk about it.
Ethical obligation (secrecy).
仕事が残っているので、帰るわけにはいきません。
Since work remains, I cannot go home.
Polite form 'ikimasen'.
先生に頼まれたから、断るわけにはいかない。
Since the teacher asked me, I cannot refuse.
Obligation to an authority figure.
お金がないから、新しい靴を買うわけにはいかない。
Since I have no money, I cannot buy new shoes.
Financial constraint as a reason.
雨が降っているから、洗濯するわけにはいかない。
Since it's raining, I cannot do the laundry.
Practical situational constraint.
夜遅いから、大きな声を出すわけにはいかない。
Since it's late at night, I cannot make loud noises.
Social etiquette (noise).
ダイエット中だから、ケーキを食べるわけにはいかない。
Since I'm on a diet, I cannot eat cake.
Self-imposed moral/logical rule.
運転するから、ビールを飲むわけにはいかない。
Since I'm driving, I cannot drink beer.
Legal and safety obligation.
もう大人だから、泣くわけにはいかない。
Since I'm an adult now, I cannot cry.
Social expectation of maturity.
チームのキャプテンとして、途中で諦めるわけにはいかない。
As the team captain, I cannot afford to give up halfway.
Responsibility of a role.
ここまで頑張ってきたのだから、今さらやめるわけにはいかない。
Since I've worked this hard, I cannot quit now.
Logical consistency with past effort.
親に高い授業料を払ってもらっているので、遊んでばかりいるわけにはいかない。
Since my parents pay high tuition, I cannot just play all the time.
Moral debt to parents.
信頼されている以上、彼を裏切るわけにはいかない。
Now that I am trusted, I cannot betray him.
Using 'ijou' to set the condition.
明日の会議は重要なので、出席しないわけにはいかない。
Tomorrow's meeting is important, so I simply must attend.
Double negative 'nai wake ni wa ikanai' (must do).
困っている人を見たら、助けないわけにはいかない。
When I see someone in trouble, I simply must help.
Universal moral obligation.
社長に直接誘われたら、行かないわけにはいかないだろう。
If invited directly by the president, I probably must go.
Social hierarchy pressure.
家族を養わなければならないので、仕事を辞めるわけにはいかない。
Since I have to support my family, I cannot quit my job.
Economic and familial responsibility.
一度引き受けたからには、最後までやり遂げないわけにはいかない。
Since I've accepted it once, I must see it through to the end.
Strong resolve using 'kara ni wa'.
国の代表として選ばれた以上、全力を尽くさないわけにはいかない。
Now that I've been chosen as a national representative, I must give my all.
High-level social responsibility.
これだけ多くの人に迷惑をかけておいて、自分だけ逃げるわけにはいかない。
Having inconvenienced so many people, I cannot just run away by myself.
Ethical accountability.
専門家として、この事実に目をつぶるわけにはいきません。
As an expert, I cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this fact.
Professional integrity.
法律で決まっていることなので、無視するわけにはいかないだろう。
Since it's decided by law, we probably cannot ignore it.
Legal constraint.
恩師の葬儀とあれば、どんなに忙しくても出席しないわけにはいかない。
If it's my former teacher's funeral, no matter how busy I am, I must attend.
Social and emotional duty (Giri).
子供たちの未来がかかっているのだから、この問題を放置するわけにはいかない。
Since the children's future is at stake, we cannot leave this problem unattended.
Altruistic responsibility.
これ以上の妥協は、我々のプライドが許すわけにはいかない。
Our pride cannot allow any further compromise.
Abstract noun (pride) as a psychological constraint.
歴史の真実を後世に伝える義務があり、沈黙を守るわけにはいかない。
We have a duty to pass the truth of history to future generations, so we cannot remain silent.
Historical and ethical duty.
人命に関わる重大な過失を見過ごすわけにはいきません。
We cannot overlook a serious negligence that concerns human lives.
High-stakes professional ethics.
公人としての立場を考えれば、軽率な発言をするわけにはいかない。
Considering my position as a public figure, I cannot afford to make thoughtless remarks.
Public image and social role.
たとえ命の危険があっても、正義を貫かないわけにはいかないのだ。
Even if there is a danger to my life, I simply must uphold justice.
Philosophical conviction.
これほどの大恩を受けておきながら、知らん顔をするわけにはいかない。
Having received such great kindness, I cannot pretend not to notice (their plight).
Deep personal obligation (On).
組織の存続がかかっている以上、個人の感情を優先させるわけにはいかない。
Now that the survival of the organization is at stake, we cannot prioritize individual emotions.
Corporate survival vs. individual feelings.
科学者として、データの改ざんに加担するわけにはいきません。
As a scientist, I cannot be a party to the falsification of data.
Scientific integrity.
平和を願う者として、暴力の連鎖を黙認するわけにはいかない。
As one who wishes for peace, I cannot condone the cycle of violence.
Global/Humanitarian ethics.
伝統の継承者として、この文化を絶やすわけにはいかないという使命感がある。
As a successor of tradition, I have a sense of mission that I cannot let this culture die out.
Cultural preservation duty.
法治国家において、法を逸脱した行為を容認するわけにはいかないのは自明の理だ。
In a constitutional state, it is a self-evident truth that we cannot tolerate acts that deviate from the law.
Legal philosophy.
地球環境の悪化を食い止めるため、我々は立ち止まるわけにはいかない。
To stop the deterioration of the global environment, we cannot afford to stand still.
Existential global responsibility.
真理を追究する学徒が、権力に屈して筆を折るわけにはいかない。
A student pursuing the truth cannot succumb to power and stop writing.
Intellectual resistance.
未曾有の危機に際し、リーダーが動揺を見せるわけにはいかない。
In the face of an unprecedented crisis, a leader cannot afford to show agitation.
Leadership psychology.
自己の信念に照らして、この不条理を看過するわけにはいかないのだ。
In light of my own beliefs, I cannot overlook this absurdity.
Personal moral compass.
契約の精神を重んじるならば、一方的に破棄するわけにはいかないだろう。
If we respect the spirit of the contract, we probably cannot unilaterally cancel it.
Contractual ethics.
人類の尊厳を守るため、我々は退くわけにはいかない局面にある。
To protect human dignity, we are at a stage where we cannot retreat.
High-level humanitarian rhetoric.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
そうはいかない
放っておくわけにはいかない
黙っているわけにはいかない
見過ごすわけにはいかない
引き下がるわけにはいかない
断るわけにはいかない
裏切るわけにはいかない
妥協するわけにはいかない
甘えるわけにはいかない
期待を裏切るわけにはいかない
자주 혼동되는 단어
관용어 및 표현
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혼동하기 쉬운
문장 패턴
어휘 가족
관련
사용법
It implies that if you did the action, you would lose face or respect.
The double negative is very common for expressing strong obligation.
팁
Verb Forms
Always use the dictionary form for 'cannot' and the nai-form for 'must'. Avoid using the potential form before 'wake'.
Social Pressure
Use this when you want to sound like a responsible adult who understands their duties.
Polite Refusal
It's a great way to say 'no' without sounding like you just don't want to do it. It shifts the 'blame' to the situation.
Strong Must
Master the 'nai wake ni wa ikanai' form to express that you have no choice but to act.
Business Use
In an office, use this to explain why a deadline must be met or why a rule must be followed.
Formal Essays
This is a high-scoring grammar point for JLPT N3/N2 essays. It shows you can handle complex logic.
Catch the Nuance
When you hear this in anime, it usually signals a character's turning point or a moment of high stakes.
Intonation
Place a slight emphasis on 'wake' to highlight the 'reason' behind your inability to act.
Related Words
Learn 'giri' (duty) and 'on' (debt of gratitude) to understand the cultural engine behind this grammar.
Not for Physicality
Never use it for 'I can't speak Japanese' or 'I can't swim'. Use potential forms for those.
암기하기
시각적 연상
Imagine a wall made of 'Social Rules' blocking your path.
어원
From 'wake' (reason/logic) + 'ni wa' (topic/particle) + 'ikanai' (cannot go/proceed).
문화적 맥락
Used to express that one's pride or honor prevents a certain action.
Used to explain why one must follow group norms.
Essential for declining requests politely while showing you take them seriously.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
대화 시작하기
"どうして今日は残業しているんですか?"
"この仕事、誰かに手伝ってもらえませんか?"
"明日のパーティー、来られますか?"
"どうしてその誘いを断ったの?"
"リーダーとして一番大変なことは何ですか?"
일기 주제
あなたが「~わけにはいかない」と思った経験を書いてください。
仕事や学校で、どうしても断れなかったことはありますか?
自分の信念(しんねん)のために、できないことは何ですか?
日本の「義理(ぎり)」についてどう思いますか?
あなたが絶対に裏切れない人は誰ですか?
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, 'wake ni wa ikanai' is for social or moral reasons. If you can't walk because your leg is broken, use 'arukemasen' (potential form). If you can't walk because you promised to stay still, use 'aruku wake ni wa ikanai'.
It is a standard, somewhat formal expression. To make it more polite, use 'wake ni wa ikimasen'. In very casual speech, 'wa' might be dropped: 'wake ni ikanai'.
'Nakereba naranai' is a general 'must'. 'Nai wake ni wa ikanai' is a 'must' that emphasizes the social pressure or the impossibility of doing otherwise in that specific situation.
Generally, no. It is almost always used with verbs. For adjectives, you would use 'wake de wa nai' (it's not that...) or other structures.
Often, yes. It implies you are restricted. However, it can also show strong positive resolve, like 'I cannot afford to lose!'
In formal writing and clear speech, yes. In casual conversation, it is sometimes omitted, but keeping it makes the grammar clearer.
The ending can be 'wake ni wa ikanakatta' (I couldn't afford to...), but the verb before 'wake' remains in the dictionary or nai-form.
Yes, very frequently. It's a key phrase for explaining professional boundaries and obligations.
Use the nai-form of the verb: [Verb-nai] + わけにはいかない. For example, 'Ikanai wake ni wa ikanai' (I must go).
It means 'reason', 'logic', or 'circumstances'. It's the same 'wake' as in 'wake ga wakaranai' (I don't understand the reason).
셀프 테스트 200 질문
Write a sentence about why you cannot leave work early today.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why you must attend your friend's wedding.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why you cannot drink alcohol tonight.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why you cannot quit your current project.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why you cannot tell a secret.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why you must help someone in trouble.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why you cannot afford to fail an exam.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why you cannot ignore a rule.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about why you cannot abandon your teammates.
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Write a sentence about why you must accept a request from your teacher.
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Translate: 'I cannot afford to waste time.'
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Translate: 'I must go even if it's raining.'
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Translate: 'As a doctor, I cannot overlook this.'
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Translate: 'I cannot let him go alone.'
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Translate: 'I must finish this by tomorrow.'
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Write a sentence using 'kara ni wa' and 'wake ni wa ikanai'.
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Write a sentence using 'ijou' and 'wake ni wa ikanai'.
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Write a sentence about professional pride.
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Write a sentence about family responsibility.
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Write a sentence about a secret mission.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain to your boss why you cannot attend the drinking party tonight.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Tell your friend why you must study for the exam tomorrow.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain why you cannot lend money to a stranger.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Tell your team why you cannot give up on the project.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain why you must report a mistake to your manager.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain why you cannot leave a child alone at home.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain why you must go to your teacher's funeral.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain why you cannot tell a company secret.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain why you must finish your homework before playing.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Explain why you cannot ignore a safety rule at work.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are a captain. Encourage your team not to lose.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are a doctor. Explain why you must operate.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are a parent. Explain why your child can't go out late.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are an employee. Explain why you must stay late.
Read this aloud:
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Roleplay: You are a friend. Explain why you must help with a move.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are a witness. Explain why you must tell the truth.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are a student. Explain why you can't skip class.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are a driver. Refuse a drink.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are a leader. Explain why a plan can't be canceled.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Roleplay: You are a host. Explain why you must provide food.
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
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Listen and transcribe: '負けるわけにはいかない。'
Listen and transcribe: '行かないわけにはいかない。'
Listen and transcribe: '休むわけにはいきません。'
Listen and transcribe: '断るわけにはいかないだろう。'
Listen and transcribe: '見過ごすわけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the verb: '食べないわけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the verb: '教えるわけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the verb: 'やめるわけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the meaning: 'Must do' or 'Cannot do'? '行かないわけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the meaning: 'Must do' or 'Cannot do'? '帰るわけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the nuance: Is it physical or social? '運転するから飲むわけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the nuance: Is it physical or social? '病気だから行くわけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the politeness level: 'わけにはいきません。'
Listen and identify the politeness level: 'わけにはいかない。'
Listen and identify the speaker's emotion: '裏切るわけにはいかない!'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
~わけにはいかない is your go-to phrase for saying 'I can't' when the reason is your responsibility or social pressure. For example: 'I can't leave work early' is 仕事を早く帰るわけにはいかない.
- Expresses situational inability based on social/moral duty.
- Dictionary form + わけにはいかない = Cannot do.
- Nai-form + わけにはいかない = Must do.
- Used in formal, business, or serious personal contexts.
Verb Forms
Always use the dictionary form for 'cannot' and the nai-form for 'must'. Avoid using the potential form before 'wake'.
Social Pressure
Use this when you want to sound like a responsible adult who understands their duties.
Polite Refusal
It's a great way to say 'no' without sounding like you just don't want to do it. It shifts the 'blame' to the situation.
Strong Must
Master the 'nai wake ni wa ikanai' form to express that you have no choice but to act.
관련 콘텐츠
관련 문법 규칙
관련 표현
family 관련 단어
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.