Search pages and navigate
Will definitely; cannot help but
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-ない + ではおかない' is used to express a strong determination or an inevitable natural consequence. It conveys that a situation will certainly result in a specific action or reaction, often with a sense of 'I won't let it end until this happens.' This pattern is often used to emphasize the speaker's resolve or the inevitability of a situation. It is a more forceful expression than 'zettai ni ... suru' and is typically used in more formal or written contexts.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-ない (Negative form of the verb) | V-ない + ではおかない | 見ないではおかない (Will definitely see) |
| V-ない (Negative form of the verb) | V-ない + ではおかない (with emphasis on the verb) | 聞かないではおかない (Will definitely hear) |
| V-ない (Negative form of the verb) | V-ない + ではおかない (with emphasis on the speaker's resolve) | 言えないではおかない (Will definitely speak) |
Examples
あんなひどい侮辱を受けて、私も黙って見ないではおかない。
Anna hidoi bokoku o ukete, watashi mo mukatte minai de wa okanai.
I won't let it end without seeing the terrible insult.
あんなひどい侮辱を受けて (Received a terrible insult), 私も (I too), 黙って (Silently), 見ないではおかない (Will definitely see)
彼の迫真の演技は、観る者を動揺させてしまう。
Kare no hakyoku no engeki wa, mirareru mono o dōyaku o sake te shimau.
His intense performance will definitely move the audience.
彼の迫真の演技 (His intense performance), は (is), 観る者 (the audience), を (to), 動揺させる (move), てしまう (will definitely)
今回の不祥事について、責任の所在を明らかにすることは、できなくてはおかない。
Konkai no fushōji ni tsuite, sekinin no shozai o akiraka ni suru koto wa, dekaku te wa okanai.
We cannot help but make the responsibility clear in this case.
今回の不祥事について (About this unfortunate incident), 責任の所在を (the responsibility), 明らかにする (make clear), ことは (is), できなくてはおかない (Will definitely)
Context
This pattern is typically used in formal or written contexts to express a strong determination or an inevitable natural consequence. It is often used in situations where the speaker feels a strong sense of obligation or responsibility. It can be confused with other patterns such as '～ずにはすまない' which focuses on social or moral obligation rather than strong will.
Watch out
This pattern is too forceful for everyday weak intentions and should be used for strong determination or inevitable natural consequences.
The double negative in this pattern is used to emphasize the speaker's resolve and should not be misinterpreted as a weak intention.
～ずにはすまない focuses on social or moral obligation rather than strong will and should not be confused with this pattern.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to emphasize the speaker's resolve and the inevitability of the situation. Use it in formal or written contexts and avoid using it for everyday weak intentions.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ない + ではおかない used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
あんなひどい侮辱を受けて、私も黙って引き下がらないではおかない。
Pattern used: 引き下がらないではおかない
～ないではおかない expresses the speaker's strong resolve to not let the matter rest.
彼の迫真の演技は、観る者を感動させないではおかない。
Pattern used: 感動させないではおかない
It describes an inevitable natural consequence that an audience will certainly be moved.
今回の不祥事について、責任の所在を明らかにしないではおかない。
Pattern used: 明らかにしないではおかない
The speaker expresses a firm determination to clarify the responsibility.
Interactive
あんなひどい侮辱を受けて、私も黙って______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.