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Ended up not doing
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-ず + じまい' is used to express a situation where someone intended or hoped to do something, but the opportunity passed and they ended up not doing it. This expression typically carries a nuance of regret or a missed chance. It implies that the opportunity has ended, and the person was unable to take action. For example, if someone wanted to visit a place but never got the chance, they might say 'せっかくの休暇だったが、どこへも行かず' (I ended up not going anywhere despite having a precious vacation).
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masu form | V-ず + じまい + だ/だった | 行かず + だ/だった |
| Nai form | V-ず + じまい + だ/だった | 行かず + だ/だった |
| Te form | V-ず + じまい + だ/だった | 行かず + だ/だった |
Examples
せっかくの休暇だったが、どこへも行かず。
sekkaku no kyūka datta ga, doko e mo ikakazu.
I ended up not going anywhere despite having a precious vacation.
せっかくの休暇だったが (It was a precious vacation), どこへも (anywhere), 行かず (ended up not going), .
彼にはいつか謝ろうと思っていたのだが、結局行かず。
kare ni wa itsuka ayamayou to omou itta no daga, muketsu ikakazu.
He had always thought he would apologize someday, but he ended up not doing it.
彼には (He), いつか (someday), 謝ろうと思っていた (had always thought he would apologize),のだが (but), 結局 (in the end), 行かず (ended up not doing it).
高いカメラを買ったものの、使いこなすのが難しくて、結局行かず。
takai kamera o katta mono no, tsukau kokonasu no ga muzukashikute, muketsu ikakazu.
Although I bought an expensive camera, I ended up not being able to use it properly.
高いカメラを買った (bought an expensive camera),ものの (although), 使いこなすのが難しくて (it was difficult to use properly),結局 (in the end), 行かず (ended up not doing it).
Context
This pattern is used to express a situation where someone intended or hoped to do something, but the opportunity passed and they ended up not doing it. It typically carries a nuance of regret or a missed chance. The 'jimai' form is usually followed by 'da' or 'datta' to describe the final state. This pattern is often used in formal writing and speech.
Watch out
This pattern implies that the opportunity has ended, and the person was unable to take action. Using it for things that are still possible in the future would be incorrect.
The tense of this pattern should match the situation being described. For example, if the situation occurred in the past, use the past tense.
～ずにはすまない is used to express a situation where someone has a responsibility or obligation to do something, whereas 'V-ず + じまい' is used to express a situation where someone intended or hoped to do something but was unable to do it.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct tense and to describe a situation where the opportunity has ended. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that express obligation or responsibility.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ず + じまい used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
せっかくの休暇だったが、どこへも行かずじまいだった。
Pattern used: 行かずじまいだった
～ずじまい indicates that an intended action never happened before the period ended.
彼にはいつか謝ろうと思っていたのだが、結局謝れずじまいに終わった。
Pattern used: 謝れずじまいに終わった
It emphasizes the regret of missing the opportunity to apologize.
高いカメラを買ったものの、使いこなすのが難しくて、結局使わずじまいだ。
Pattern used: 使わずじまいだ
It describes the unfortunate result of an action (buying) that didn't lead to the intended use.
Interactive
せっかくの休暇だったが、どこへも______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.