語感 Dictionary

～でばかりはいられない

〜de bakari wa irarenai

JLPT N2 Chapter 101: Can't, won't, and polite refusal, 3 of 7

Formation

Verb-て form + ばかりはいられない, Noun + ばかりはいられない, Noun + ばかり + Verb-て form + はいられない

Cannot afford to only do something; cannot always rely on it.

When to use

てばかりはいられない: can't just keep doing (泣いてばかりはいられない).

Explanation

The ～でばかりはいられない grammar point is used when one realizes they cannot keep doing only that one thing or cannot always rely on a certain situation. It implies the need to take other actions or responsibilities.

Example sentences

  • いつも助たすけてもらってばかりはいられない。

    I can’t just keep letting people help me all the time.

    Itsumo tasukete moratte bakari wa irarenai.

  • 好すきな仕事しごとばかりしてはいられない。

    I can’t afford to only do the work I love.

    Suki na shigoto bakari shite wa irarenai.

  • 親おやに頼たよってばかりはいられない。

    I can’t keep depending on my parents forever.

    Oya ni tayotte bakari wa irarenai.

  • 休やすんでばかりはいられない。仕事しごともしなくちゃ。

    I can’t just keep taking breaks; I have work to do as well.

    Yasunde bakari wa irarenai. Shigoto mo shinakucha.

Cannot (Due To Obligation)

Compare when to use each