Tell the Reason! Discussion
2
Votes
Hi Kenny san,
Thank you for the comment.
Yes, "Dictionary-form + わけにはいかない" is used when you can't do something or when you shouldn't do something because it is against your principles, etc. It should be translated such as "can't afford to do" , "must not" and so on in English.
In the case of "Nai-form + わけにはいかない," however, it shows a double negative. That's why the meaning should be "must" , " have no choice but to," etc.
For example.
もうすぐテストがあるので、いっしょうけんめい勉強しないわけにはいきません。The test is coming so I must study hard.
0
Votes
Just a further note on the wakeniikanai construction, it's often translated into English as 'can't afford to do s.t.' or 'can't bring myself to do s.t.' as opposed to 'must' or 'have to'. Basically there's the element of there being a very slim possibility of you doing something but it's not realistic for you to do so .
