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JLPT N2Grammar
~わけにはいかない

cannot ~, must not ~ (due to circumstances)

Advanced
20-30 min
common
Checked against our selection criteria

Explanation

Expresses that circumstances don't allow an action.

Formation

[Verb dictionary form] + わけにはいかない

Examples

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Shows external circumstances prevent action.

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