GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ないわけにはいかない
Indicates that responsibility or circumstances ultimately make an action unavoidable.
Examples
担当者なので期限までに報告しないわけにはいかない。
As the person in charge, I cannot avoid submitting a report by the deadline.
Words used
大切な客の頼みを断らないわけにはいかない。
I cannot avoid refusing an important guest's request.
Words used
皆が待っているので、行かないわけにはいかない。
Everyone is waiting, so I have no choice but to go.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: After a verb's nai-form,
わけにはいかないrules out not acting, making the action necessary because of responsibility or circumstances. - Basic usage:
担当者なので期限までに報告しないわけにはいかない。means that responsibility as the person in charge requires submitting the report by the deadline.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The action implied by two negatives
断らないわけにはいかないrules out the option of not refusing and therefore means one must refuse.断るわけにはいかないinstead gives circumstances that prohibit refusal, so negating the preceding verb reverses the required action.