わけにはいかない・
わけにはいかない says that an action is not a reasonable or responsible option because of the speaker's circumstances, duties, position, or social judgment. The action may be physically possible, but something important rules it out.
A possible action that is not a viable choice
The key question is not “Can this person physically do it?” but “Can this person responsibly choose to do it?” The blocking reason may be public, such as professional duty, or entirely personal, such as a promise or family responsibility.
Duty and personal circumstances
In each example, the action itself is possible, but the surrounding situation makes it unacceptable or impractical.
責任者として、事故の報告を隠すわけにはいかない。
As the person responsible, I cannot conceal the accident report.
AnalyzeThe speaker's professional position rules out concealment.
明日は娘の卒業式なので、今夜遅くまで働くわけにはいかない。
My daughter's graduation ceremony is tomorrow, so I cannot reasonably work late tonight.
AnalyzeThis is a private circumstance, not a universal social rule.
Choosing between the two versions
わけにはいかない is the normal standalone form. わけにもいかない is used when the context has already introduced another choice, problem, or unavailable option. The difference comes from that context; it is not an absolute difference in strength.
約束を破ることはできないが、事情を黙っているわけにもいかない。
I cannot break my promise, but I cannot keep the circumstances secret either.
AnalyzeThe second option is also unavailable, which makes the additive form natural.
Watch the verb before the pattern
With an affirmative verb, the named action is ruled out. With a negative verb, not acting is ruled out, so the practical result is that the action must be performed. Keep these two patterns separate when translating.
What the speaker is communicating
This pattern often reveals the speaker's reasoning: “I might want to do this, and perhaps I could, but given the situation I cannot allow myself to.” The constraint may come from other people, but it can also come from the speaker's own standards or commitments.
More examples
医師として、患者の情報を勝手に話すわけにはいかない。
As a doctor, I cannot disclose a patient's information without permission.
Analyze友人から借りた大切な本だから、雨の中に置いておくわけにはいかない。
It is an important book I borrowed from a friend, so I cannot leave it out in the rain.
Analyze部下がまだ作業しているのに、私だけ帰るわけにはいかない。
My staff are still working, so I cannot be the only one to go home.
Analyze多くの人が楽しみにしている以上、簡単に公演を中止するわけにはいかない。
With so many people looking forward to it, we cannot simply cancel the performance.
Analyze貯金を全部使うことはできないし、だからといって必要な治療を諦めるわけにもいかない。
I cannot use all my savings, but I cannot give up the necessary treatment either.
Analyze記者である以上、確認していない情報を記事にするわけにはいかない。
As a journalist, I cannot publish unverified information in an article.
Analyzeお客様との約束があるので、ここで店を閉めるわけにはいきません。
We have a commitment to our customers, so we cannot close the shop now.
Analyze