cannot ~, must not ~ (due to circumstances)

Advanced

20-30 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses that circumstances don't allow an action.

[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きません。

Yakusoku shita node, ikanai wake ni wa ikimasen.

Since I promised, I can't not go.

仕事中に寝るわけにはいかない。

Shigoto-chuu ni neru wake ni wa ikanai.

I cannot sleep during work.

Shows external circumstances prevent action.

～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)

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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