Meaning
This pattern expresses the idea that a certain state or action cannot go on forever or cannot remain the same. It's used when you acknowledge a situation but emphasize that you cannot stay in that state permanently. The pattern combines a verb in te-form with ばかりはいられない, emphasizing the impossibility of maintaining a particular condition or behavior indefinitely.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞て形 | ばかりはいられない |
Examples
-
就職が決まったからと言って、喜んでばかりもいられない。この先、やらなければならないことはいっぱいある。
Even though I got a job, I cannot keep being happy only. There are so many things I still need to do ahead. -
いくらお客様といっても、無理な要求を全部聞いてばかりはいられません。
Even though they are customers, we cannot continue to agree to all of their unreasonable demands. -
試合が近いので、肩の調子が悪いからといって、このまま野球の練習を休んでばかりはいられない。
Since the match is coming up soon, even though my shoulder feels bad, I cannot just keep skipping baseball practice like this. -
地震で家を失くしてとてもつらいけど、泣いてばかりもいられない。もっと強く生きていかなければならない。
I lost my house in the earthquake and it is very painful, but I cannot just keep crying. I have to live more strongly going forward.
Summary
- Expresses that a state or action cannot continue indefinitely despite current circumstances
- Often used with verbs expressing emotions or attitudes (being happy, crying, resting, etc.)
- Similar to てはいられない, but ばかりはいられない emphasizes the impossibility of maintaining that state permanently