N3 · Structured courses

Wake Ni Wa Ikanai: Cannot (Socially)

Learn わけにはいかない for "cannot" based on social responsibility or common sense. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn わけにはいかない for "cannot" based on social responsibility or common sense.
  • Form and connection: [Verb辞书形] わけにはいかない
  • Nuance in real use: This intermediate pattern adds sophistication to your Japanese.

Form and connection

[Verb辞书形] わけにはいかない

Core Explanation

Learn わけにはいかない for "cannot" based on social responsibility or common sense.

Cultural Note

This intermediate pattern adds sophistication to your Japanese.

Practical examples

I promised, so I can't not go.
I can't refuse my boss's invitation.
It's an important meeting, so I can't be late.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Verb辞书形] わけにはいかない
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerI promised, so I can't not go.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer大切たいせつな会議かいぎだから、遅おくれるわけにはいかない。 ([Verb辞书形] わけにはいかない)

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