cannot afford to, must not

Intermediate

20-25 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses that something cannot be done due to circumstances.

[Verb dictionary form] + わけにはいかない

約束したので、行かないわけにはいかない。

Yakusoku shita node, ikanai wake ni wa ikanai.

I made a promise, so I cannot afford not to go.

仕事中なので、寝るわけにはいかない。

Shigotochuu na node, neru wake ni wa ikanai.

I'm at work, so I cannot sleep.

Emphasizes social or moral obligation.

～わけではない

it does not mean that, it is not that

～とは限らない

not necessarily, not always

～に違いない

must be ~, no doubt that ~, undoubtedly

～に関して/関する

regarding ~, concerning ~, about ~

～について/つい

about ~, concerning ~

～に伴って/伴い/伴う

along with ~, as ~ (changes)

Use for obligations and social pressures.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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