てばかりはいられない (tebakarihairarenai)

Meaning & usage

てばかりはいられない expresses that a person cannot continue doing the same action and needs to move on to something else. It attaches to the te-form of a verb, as in 遊んでばかりはいられない or 悩んでばかりはいられない. It is often used to encourage oneself to act, and it usually pairs with a statement of resolve or next action.

Example sentences 8

1. 遊あそんでばかりはいられない、そろそろ就職しゅうしょくの準備じゅんびをしよう。

   I can't keep playing around; it's time to start preparing for job hunting.

2. 失敗を悔やんでばかりはいられない、次の試合に向けて練習するだけだ。

   I can't keep dwelling on my failure; all I can do is train for the next match.

3. いつまでも親に頼ってばかりはいられない、自分でアパートを探そう。

   I can't keep depending on my parents forever; I'll look for my own apartment.

4. 泣いてばかりはいられない、まずは片付けるものを片付けよう。

   I can't keep crying; first, let me tidy up what needs tidying.

5. 休んでばかりはいられない、仕事に戻ろう。

   I can't keep resting; I have to get back to work.

6. 悩んでばかりはいられない、まず行動しよう。

   I can't just keep worrying; I'll take action first.

7. 寝てばかりはいられない、起きて勉強しよう。

   I can't keep sleeping; I'll get up and study.

8. 逃げてばかりはいられない、向き合うしかない。

   I can't keep running away; I have no choice but to face it.