Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 3: 21/23

ないではいられないCannot help doing something, Cannot resist doing something

Structure

Verb[ない]+ では(1) + いられない

(1) じゃ

Details

  • Register

    Standard

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 ()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).

Examples

--:--

    (くや)しすぎて、()まないではいられない

    I am so frustrated, I can't help but drink.

    いい金魚(きんぎょ)()つけてしまった。()わないではいられない

    I found a good goldfish. I can't help but buy it.

    架空(かくう)請求(せいきゅう)され、(おこ)らないではいられない

    I was charged with a fictitious claim. I can't help but feel angry.

    (こま)ったことがあって、神様(かみさま)(たよ)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(いんたい)試合(じあい)()けて、()かないではいられません

    Having lost his last game before retirement, he can't help but cry.

  • Get more example sentences!

    Premium users get access to 12 example sentences on all Grammar Points.

Self-Study Sentences

Study your own way!

Add sentences and study them alongside Bunpro sentences.

  • Online

      There are no Online resources listed for 「ないではいられない」.

      You can . Resources are constantly updated, come back later to see new additions!


    • Offline

        There are no Offline resources listed for 「ないではいられない」.

        You can . Resources are constantly updated, come back later to see new additions!

      • Track Resources!

        Bunpro tracks all of the resources you’ve visited, and offers relevant bookmarks of physical books to help with offline tracking.

      ないではいられない – Grammar Discussion

      Most Recent Replies (2 in total)

      • megatron0000

        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

        mrnoone

        @megatron0000
        Hey

        In 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.

      Got questions about ないではいられない? Join us to discuss, ask, and learn together!

      Join the Discussion