Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 10: 13/21

～ては居(い)られないCan't afford to, Unable to

Casual:, Verb[て] + ちゃいられない/,じゃいられない

Structure

Verb［て］+ はいられない
［い］Adjective［て］+ はいられない
［な］Adjective + では(1) + いられない
Noun + では(1) + いられない

(1) じゃ

Details

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About てはいられない

てはいられない is a grammar pattern which consists of the conjunction-particle て, は, and the negated-potential form of the る-Verb いる 'to be'. Common translations include 'to be unable to (A)', and 'cannot afford to (A)'. The literal meaning of 'to not be able to be with (A)' just reflects the impossibility of the word that this structure is attached to.

This structure is almost exclusively seen with verbs, but may occasionally be seen with い-Adjectives, な-Adjectives or nouns as well.

The verb that てはいられない is connected to is often considered to be something that cannot continue on due to either some time-based or feeling-based limitation. In this way, it regularly has the nuance of '(A) cannot continue due to (B)', with the reason of (B) mentioned in another part of the sentence.

When appearing with い-Adjectives, な-Adjectives or nouns, the nuance will change slightly, and simply reflects the meaning of いられない itself in conveying that (A) 'cannot be', or is 'impossible' in some way. As always, ては will be replaced by では in the case of nouns and な-Adjectives.

Examples

--:--

    時間(じかん)がない。下書(したが)きしては居(い)られない。

    There is no time. I can't afford to make a rough draft.

    彼(かれ)は実績(じっせき)を上(あ)げています。負(ま)けては居(い)られません。

    He is achieving results. He can't afford to lose.

    寒(さむ)すぎて写生(しゃせい)してはいられません。

    It is too cold. I am unable to do drawings from nature.

    もう働(はたら)くしかない。受験(じゅけん)しては居(い)られない。

    I have no choice but to work. I can't afford to take an exam.

    こんなひどい商品(しょうひん)、宣伝(せんでん)しては居(い)られません。

    Such a terrible product, we can't afford to advertise it.

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