Structure
Verb[ない]+ では(1) + いられない
(1) じゃ
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About ないではいられない
In order to express that something cannot be helped or cannot be resisted in Japanese, the phrase ないではいられない will be used. This is a structure that is comprised of verbs in the negative form connected to で, は, and the negative-potential form of the る-Verb 居る 'to be'. In this way it just means 'to be unable to be without (A)'.
ないではいられない primarily expresses the inability of the speaker to tolerate (A) not happening, due to wanting to do it. It may also indicate that they will unfortunately do it despite knowing that they shouldn't.
ないではいられない may also be used to highlight that in the situation of (A), some particular emotion, feeling, or reaction cannot be repressed. (B) is something that happens naturally as a consequence of (A).
Synonyms
Examples
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悔しすぎて、飲まないではいられない。
I am so frustrated, I can't help but drink.
いい金魚を見つけてしまった。買わないではいられない。
I found a good goldfish. I can't help but buy it.
架空請求され、怒らないではいられない。
I was charged with a fictitious claim. I can't help but feel angry.
困ったことがあって、神様に頼らないではいられない。
I got into some trouble and I can't help but rely on the gods.
引退試合に負けて、泣かないではいられません。
Having lost his last game before retirement, he can't help but cry.
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ないではいられない – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (2 in total)
megatron0000
In
彼の辛い状況を見て助けないではいられない
Would it be correct to say instead
彼の辛い状況を見て助けたくてならない
or
彼の辛い状況を見て助けたくてたまらない
I ask because there is a review question where the second/third forms are not accepted.
mrnoone
@megatron0000
HeyIn Japanese we don’t usually say something like 助けたくてたまらない (and たくてならない is used less often than たくてたまらない).
It would be understandable, but ずにはいられない or ないではいられない sound much better.
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