てはいられない (tehairarenai)

Meaning & usage

てはいられない expresses that a person cannot afford to stay in the current state or continue an action and needs to do something else. It follows the te-form of a verb, as in 泣いてはいられない or 待ってはいられない, and often conveys urgency or pressure from circumstances. It does not state a rule or refuse permission, but expresses the speaker's own sense that the situation requires immediate action.

Example sentences 7

1. 急いそいで。ぐずぐずしてはいられない。

   Hurry up. We've little time to waste.

2. いちいち細かいことを気にしてはいられない。

   I can't be bothered with every little detail.

3. 試験が近いから遊んではいられない。

   The exam is near, so I can't afford to mess around.

4. 母が病気なので休んではいられない。

   My mother is sick, so I can't afford to rest.

5. 泣いてはいられない、前を向こう。

   I can't just keep crying; I have to look forward.

6. 時間がないから待ってはいられない。

   There's no time, so I can't afford to wait.

7. 夢のためには悩んではいられない。

   For my dream, I can't afford to stay worried.