〜わけにはいかない
cannot afford to ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜わけにはいかない” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜わけにはいかない」 means "cannot afford to ~". Structure: Verb dictionary + わけにはいかない. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1利用を休むわけにはいきません。
りよう を やすむ わけ に は いきません。
riyou o yasumu wake ni wa ikimasen.
I cannot afford to skip the use.
Everyday life
Example 2指導を休むわけにはいきません。
しどう を やすむ わけ に は いきません。
shidou o yasumu wake ni wa ikimasen.
I cannot afford to skip the guidance.
Everyday life
Example 3記録を休むわけにはいきません。
きろく を やすむ わけ に は いきません。
kiroku o yasumu wake ni wa ikimasen.
I cannot afford to skip the record.
Everyday life
Example 4配送を休むわけにはいきません。
はいそう を やすむ わけ に は いきません。
haisou o yasumu wake ni wa ikimasen.
I cannot afford to skip the shipping.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳を休むわけにはいきません。
つうやく を やすむ わけ に は いきません。
tsuuyaku o yasumu wake ni wa ikimasen.
I cannot afford to skip the interpretation.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I cannot afford to skip the use.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜わけにはいかない.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.