〜てはいられない
Formation
Meaning
Indicates that one cannot continue in the current state or wait any longer because there is no time or mental leeway. It conveys a sense of urgency or necessity to take action.
Note
Indicates that one cannot afford to continue in the current state or wait any longer due to a sense of urgency or lack of leeway.
Examples
試験まであと一週間しかない。もう一日としてのんびりしてはいられない。
There's only one week left until the exam. I can't afford to idle away even a single day anymore.
ライバルたちがどんどん記録を更新しており、私たちもうかうかしていられない。
Our rivals are constantly breaking records, so we can't afford to be off our guard.
隣で困っている人がいるのに、見て見ぬふりなんてしてられないよ。
There's someone in trouble right next to me; I can't just stand by and watch.
締め切りが明日に迫っているんだ。のんびりお茶を飲んでちゃいられない。
The deadline is tomorrow. I can't be sitting here leisurely drinking tea.
自分たちのミスでプロジェクトが遅れているのだから、文句を言ってはいられない。
Since our own mistakes are causing the project delay, we can't afford to be complaining.
刻一刻と状況が変化しており、立ち止まってはいられない状況だ。
The situation is changing moment by moment, and we are in a position where we can't afford to stand still.