must do, have to do, cannot not do

Advanced

25-30 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Double negative expressing obligation or necessity.

[Verb ない-form] + わけにはいかない

招待されたので、行かないわけにはいかない。

Shoutai sareta node, ikanai wake ni wa ikanai.

I was invited, so I must go.

上司の命令なので、従わないわけにはいかない。

Joushi no meirei na node, shitagawanai wake ni wa ikanai.

It is my boss's order, so I must obey.

Remember this is a double negative = must do.

～わけにはいかない

cannot possibly, must not, cannot afford to

～わけがない

there is no way, impossible that

～ために (tame ni)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~

～のに (noni)

although ~, despite ~, even though ~

～にもかかわらず

despite ~, in spite of ~

～ようになる

come to ~, become able to ~, reach the point where ~

The double negative creates a strong sense of obligation.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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