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JLPT N2 Grammar

てはいられない

N2必要

N2 · 必要 · te-form verb + はいられない

cannot afford to keep doing; cannot stay

te-form verb + はいられない

Shows that because the situation is urgent or the goal is clear, one cannot keep remaining in the first state and must act.

Often urges oneself or others to move from waiting, worrying, resting, silence, and similar states into action.

締め切りまで一週間しかないので、のんびりしてはいられない。

There is only one week until the deadline, so we cannot afford to take it easy.

Do not confuse it with the simple state ている; it carries pressure that this cannot continue.

Time is pushing you; you cannot stay where you are.

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