〜はいられない

Meaning

This pattern describes a situation where you cannot continue doing something or maintain a certain state due to circumstances or necessity. It expresses that a condition or action cannot be sustained any longer. The polite form is 〜てはいられません, while 〜てはいられない or 〜てらんない are more casual variants.

Formation

Examples

1. もう時間がないので、ぐずぐずしてはいられない。
   Since time is running out, I cannot afford to dilly-dally.

2. 取引先のお客様がそろそろいらっしゃいます。打ち合わせの資料をまだ準備していないので、のんびりお茶など飲んではいられません。
   The client will be arriving soon. Since I haven't prepared the meeting materials yet, I don't have time to relax and drink tea.

3. 留学の学費と生活費がかなり高くて、全部親に頼ってはいられない。アルバイトを探さなきゃ。
   The tuition and living expenses for studying abroad are quite high, so I cannot rely entirely on my parents. I need to find a part-time job.

4. A:こんなにたくさんの単語を覚えなきゃいけないのに、一緒にカラオケになんか行ってらんないよ。 B:普段からちゃんと復習すればいいのに…。
   A: I have so many words to memorize, so I can't go to karaoke with you. B: If you just review properly from the start, you'd be fine...

Summary

• Used to express inability to continue an action due to circumstances or lack of time
• Emphasizes that maintaining or doing something is no longer possible or sustainable
• Casual form 〜てらんない is commonly used in everyday conversation alongside the polite form