N283/217

ていては

V-ていてはNoun + でいてはAdj-ていては

Meanings

  • If you keep doing something, you’ll get a negative result
  • As long as you are doing something in that way, the situation will be unfavorable
  • If something is being done that way, the consequence is not good

About this pattern

Explanation

ていては is used to point out a negative consequence that follows if the current action or state continues. It carries a warning or admonitory nuance, often implying that the situation will not improve or will lead to trouble if you keep things as they are. It contrasts with more neutral conditional forms and emphasizes the imprudence or danger of maintaining the current pattern. The pattern can attach to verbs, adjectives, and nouns (using でいては with nouns). Typical contexts include warnings in daily life, work, health, or relationships, where continuing the same behavior is presented as unacceptable or risky. Example ideas: 毎日遅くまで働いていては体に悪い。 If you keep working late every day, it’s bad for your health. 約束を守っていては信用されない。 If you keep breaking promises, you won’t be trusted. そんなに無理をしていては長くは続かない。 If you push yourself that hard, you won’t be able to continue for long.

Learn in context

Example sentences

毎日遅くまで働いていては体に悪い。

If you keep working late every day, it’s bad for your health.

約束を守っていては信用されない。

If you keep breaking promises, you won’t be trusted.

そんなに無理をしていては長くは続かない。

If you push yourself that hard, you won’t be able to continue for long.

彼は約束を守っていては信用できない。

If he keeps not keeping his promises, he can’t be trusted.