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

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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(い)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

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    悔(くや)しすぎて、飲(の)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)を見(み)つけてしまった。買(か)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、怒(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.

    困(こま)ったことがあって、神様(かみさま)に頼(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)に負(ま)けて、泣(な)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

    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.

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