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Cannot help but feel; cannot suppress
Definition
The grammar pattern "N + を禁じ得ない" is used to express that a strong emotion or feeling is unavoidable or cannot be suppressed in response to a situation. It is a formal, written expression that implies a sense of inevitability or naturalness in the emotional response. This pattern is often used in formal writing, such as essays or news articles, to convey a sense of sincerity or authenticity. The use of "を禁じ得ない" emphasizes that the emotion is not something that can be controlled or suppressed, but rather it is a natural response to the situation.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun (representing an emotion or feeling) | N + を禁じ得ない | 憤り |
| Noun (representing a situation or stimulus) | N + を聞いて/見て/感じて | その悲劇的なニュースを聞いて |
| Verb (in the passive form) | N + を禁じられない | 無責任な発言を繰り返す大臣に対し |
Examples
その悲劇的なニュースを聞いて、同情を禁じ得ない。
Sono higeki-tenka no nyūsu o kiite, dōjō o kinjide nai.
Upon hearing the tragic news, I couldn't help but feel sympathy.
その悲劇的なニュースを聞いて (hear the tragic news) + 同情を禁じ得ない (cannot help but feel sympathy)
無責任な発言を繰り返す大臣に対し、国民は強い憤りを禁じ得ない。
Mushinjin na hatsugen o kurikaeshi-suru daijin ni tsuite, kokumin wa tsuyoi furi o kinjide nai.
The citizens cannot help but feel strong anger towards the irresponsible minister who keeps making irresponsible statements.
無責任な発言を繰り返す大臣に対し (towards the irresponsible minister who keeps making irresponsible statements) + 国民は強い憤りを禁じ得ない (cannot help but feel strong anger)
科学の進歩がもたらした驚異的な成果に、驚きを禁じ得ない。
Kagaku no shinkō ga motaraseta kyōi-tenka no kōkō ni, kyōki o kinjide nai.
The astonishing results brought about by scientific progress are impossible to suppress one's amazement.
科学の進歩がもたらした驚異的な成果 (the astonishing results brought about by scientific progress) + 驚きを禁じ得ない (cannot help but feel amazement)
Context
This pattern is used in formal, written Japanese to convey a sense of sincerity or authenticity. It is often used in essays, news articles, and other formal writing. The use of "を禁じ得ない" emphasizes that the emotion is not something that can be controlled or suppressed, but rather it is a natural response to the situation.
Watch out
The passive form "を禁じられない" implies that the emotion is being suppressed or controlled, whereas "を禁じ得ない" emphasizes that it is unavoidable or natural.
This pattern is used to express emotions or feelings, not actions. Using actions instead of nouns can change the meaning of the sentence and make it incorrect.
The two patterns are often confused, but they have different meanings. "を禁じている" implies that something is forbidden or prohibited, whereas "を禁じ得ない" emphasizes that an emotion is unavoidable or natural.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form of the verb and the correct noun representing the emotion. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with "を禁じている" (forbidden).
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows N + を禁じ得ない used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
その悲劇的なニュースを聞いて、同情を禁じ得なかった。
Pattern used: を禁じ得なかった
～を禁じ得ない is the correct formal structure for 'cannot help but feel'.
無責任な発言を繰り返す大臣に対し、国民は強い憤りを禁じ得ない。
Pattern used: を禁じ得ない
憤り (resentment) is a common noun paired with ～を禁じ得ない to show strong, uncontrollable anger.
科学の進歩がもたらした驚異的な成果に、驚きを禁じ得ない。
Pattern used: を禁じ得ない
惊き (surprise) is a natural emotion that one 'cannot help but feel' in this formal context.
Interactive
その悲劇的なニュースを聞いて、同情______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.