～ていられない JLPT N2 Neutral

Formation

Verb-て form + いられない

Explanation

The ～ていられない grammar point is used to express a feeling of not being able to continue doing something or remaining in a certain state. It can be translated as 'can't keep on', 'unable to continue', or 'can't afford to' in English. The formation is the same for all verb types.

Example sentences

• こんなに忙しいのに、無理に遊んでいられない。

  I'm so busy that I can't afford to just play around.

  Konna ni isogashii noni, muri ni asonde irarenai.

• 寒すぎて、外で待っていられない。

  It's too cold; I can't keep waiting outside.

  Samusugite, soto de matte irarenai.

• この問題は重要だから、放っておいていられない。

  This issue is too important to ignore.

  Kono mondai wa jūyō dakara, houtte oite irarenai.

• 彼女の態度が我慢できず、黙っていられない。

  I can't stand her attitude, so I can't stay silent.

  Kanojo no taido ga gaman dekizu, damatte irarenai.

Can't Help But (Overwhelming Feeling)

• ～でたまらない JLPT N2
• Verb てやまない JLPT N1
• Verb ずにはすまない JLPT N1
• ～ずにはいられない JLPT N2
• ～でならない JLPT N2