Explanation：〜てはいられない
fa-check-circleMeaning
"このまま〜し続けることはできない"
Used to express the feeling that the speaker cannot afford to remain idle or inactive. It implies that the situation or urgency compels the speaker to take action immediately, rather than staying in their current state.
fa-check-circleForm
V（te form） + （は）いられない
fa-check-circlePoints
- Sense of Urgency: Indicates that the speaker feels pressured to act and can't stay passive or relaxed.
- Inability to Remain Idle: The speaker cannot maintain their current state or continue what they are doing.
- Strong Will: The phrase is often used when the speaker is motivated or determined to do something right away.
fa-check-circleJLPT Level
N2
Sample sentenes
もう、３０分も待っているし、これ以上待ってはいられないよ。
I've already been waiting for 30 minutes, I can't wait any longer.
レポートの締め切りが近いので、ゆっくり休んではいられない。
The deadline for the report is approaching, so I can't afford to rest leisurely.
危ないすぎて、見ていられないよ。私が切るから包丁かして！
It's too dangerous, I can't watch. Give me the knife, I'll do the cutting!
友達がいじめられているのを見て、黙ってはいられなかった。
I couldn't stay silent when I saw my friend being bullied.
若い人に、負けてはいられないと80歳の祖父が中国語の勉強を始めた。
My 80-year-old grandfather started studying Chinese because he couldn't afford to lose to young people.
私ももう大人なので、いつまでも親に頼ってはいられません。
I'm an adult now too, so I can't rely on my parents forever.
Vocabulary
| Japanese | English | |
| 包丁 | ほうちょう | kitchen knife |
| 頼る | たよる | to rely on |
