Japanese grammar
What does ～てばかりはいられない mean? Japanese grammar N2
～てばかりはいられない means can't just keep on….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vて + ばかりはいられない Vて + ばかりもいられない |
| Romaji | tebakarihairarenai |
| Meaning | can't just keep on… |
Forming it
| Basic form | 甘えて → 甘えてばかりはいられない |
|---|
How to use it
Admits that one has been doing only one thing all along, but realizes it cannot continue like that.
- 「Vてばかりはいられない」 = cannot just keep on…: 「人に助けてもらってばかりはいられない」.
- An emphatic form of 「てはいられない」 (N2-139) — adds 「ばかり」 to say "doing nothing but that."
- The sentence usually implies a resolve to change: 「泣いてばかりはいられない。前に進もう」.
Examples
いつも人に助けてもらってばかりはいられない。
I cannot keep relying on others’ help forever.
泣いてばかりはいられない。明日から仕事を探そう。
I cannot just keep crying. I will start looking for work tomorrow.
Keep in mind
- Connects to the て form.
- Implies the need to change, not just complain.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong好きな仕事ばかりはいられない。
I can't just keep doing only the work I like.
Correct好きな仕事ばかりしてはいられない。
There must be a verb in the て form before 「ばかり」.
-
Wrong助けてもらってばかりはいられなくて、うれしい。
I can't keep relying on others' help, so I'll try doing it myself.
Correct助けてもらってばかりはいられないので、自分でやってみる。
The second clause states a change in action, not an emotion.
Exam tips
- 「てばかりはいられない」 = cannot just keep on…; implies a resolve to change.