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Will definitely; cannot help but
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-ず + にはおかない" is a formal expression used to indicate that a situation will surely provoke a specific response or result. It is often used for spontaneous emotional reactions or when an external force makes a result inevitable. This pattern is similar to "～ないではおかない" but with a stronger emphasis on the inevitability of the result. It is a formal expression and should be used with caution in casual settings.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Negative stem of the verb (V-ず) | V-ず + にはおかない | 見ずにはおかない (cannot help but see) |
| Negative stem of the verb (V-ず) with the polite form of "する" | V-ず + にはおかならない | 知らずにはおかならない (cannot help but know) |
| Negative stem of the verb (V-ず) with the polite form of "する" and the polite form of "する" | V-ず + にはおかねばならない | 知らずにはおかねばならない (cannot help but know) |
Examples
この悲劇的な物語は、読者の涙を見ずにはおかない。
Kono higetika na monogatari wa, dokusha no namida o mizu niwa okanai.
This tragic story will surely make the reader cry.
この悲劇的な物語は (this tragic story) + 読者の涙を (the reader's tears) + 見ずにはおかない (will surely make the reader cry)
不正を許すわけにはいかない。必ず真相を知らずにはおかならない。
Fujou o yurusu wake ni wa ikana'i. Kanarazu shinjou o shirazu niwa okanai.
We cannot tolerate injustice. We will surely find out the truth.
不正を許すわけにはいかない (we cannot tolerate injustice) + 必ず真相を (we will surely find out the truth) + 知らずにはおかならない (will surely know)
君のその失礼な発言は、彼の怒りを呼びずにはおかねばならない。
Kimi no sono shitsurei na hatsugen wa, kare no ikari o yobizu niwa okaneba naranai.
Your rude statement will surely provoke his anger.
君のその失礼な発言は (your rude statement) + 彼の怒りを (his anger) + 呼びずにはおかねばならない (will surely provoke)
Context
This pattern is a formal expression and should be used with caution in casual settings. It is often used in formal writing or in situations where a strong emphasis is needed. It can be compared to "～ないではおかない" but with a stronger emphasis on the inevitability of the result.
Watch out
The negative stem of the verb is crucial in forming this pattern. Using the wrong stem can change the meaning of the sentence.
This pattern is formal and should be used with caution in casual settings. Using it in a casual setting can sound out of place.
～ずにはいられない focuses on an internal urge, while V-ず + にはおかない focuses on an inevitable result.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct negative stem and formal language. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns that focus on internal urges or casual language.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-ず + にはおかない used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
この悲劇的な物語は、読者の涙を誘わずにはおかない。
Pattern used: 誘わずにはおかない
～ずにはおかない is used for things that naturally and certainly provoke a specific reaction.
不正を許すわけにはいかない。必ず真相を究明せずにはおかない。
Pattern used: 究明せずにはおかない
When expressing a strong determination to achieve a result, ～ずにはおかない is used.
君のその失礼な発言は、彼の怒りを買わずにはおかないだろう。
Pattern used: 買わずにはおかないだろう
It describes an inevitable consequence of an action or state in a formal way.
Interactive
この悲劇的な物語は、読者の涙を______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.