～でばかりはいられない JLPT N2

〜de bakari wa irarenai

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

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

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.
好きな仕事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.
親に頼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.
休んでばかりはいられない。仕事もしなくちゃ。

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

Yasunde bakari wa irarenai. Shigoto mo shinakucha.