JLPT N1 Grammar
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Must; cannot avoid doing
Category: Determination and Choice
The grammar pattern "V-ず + にはすまない" is used to express a strong sense of duty, social responsibility, or moral obligation to do something. It implies that from a social or ethical standpoint, the situation will not be settled unless the action is taken. This pattern is often used in formal situations to convey a sense of urgency or necessity.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-ず (negative form of the verb) | V-ず + にはすまない | 食べずにはすまない (cannot avoid eating) |
| V-ず (negative form of the verb) + には (topic marker) | V-ずには + すまない (cannot avoid doing something to the topic) | 賠償ずにはすまない (cannot avoid compensating) |
| V-ず (negative form of the verb) + には (topic marker) + すまない (cannot avoid doing something to the topic) | V-ずには + すまない (cannot avoid doing something to the topic) | 恩人にここまで言われたら、引き受けずにはすまない (cannot avoid accepting the challenge) |
これだけ多大な損害を与えたのだから、賠償ずにはすまない。
Kore dake taiyō na sonshitsu o aeta no da kara, baishō zu ni wa sumanai.
We cannot avoid compensating for the massive damage we caused.
これだけ多大な損害を与えたのだから (the damage is massive and we caused it), 賠償ずにはすまない (cannot avoid compensating)
恩人にここまで言われたら、引き受けずにはすまない。
Onjin ni koko made iwaretara, hikiuke zu ni wa sumanai.
We cannot avoid accepting the challenge from our benefactor.
恩人に (from our benefactor), ここまで言われたら (they said this much), 引き受けずにはすまない (cannot avoid accepting)
規則を破った以上、何らかの罰を与えずにはすまない。
Kijun o yabutta yori, nanika no batsu o aezu ni wa sumanai.
We cannot avoid punishing them for breaking the rules.
規則を破った以上 (they broke the rules), 何らかの罰を与えずにはすまない (cannot avoid punishing)
This pattern is used in formal situations to convey a sense of urgency or necessity. It is often used in writing or in formal speech. Be careful not to confuse it with "～ずにはおかない", which is about inevitability or personal will rather than obligation.
This pattern is used to express a sense of duty or obligation, not personal desires.
This pattern is formal and should be used in formal situations.
While both patterns express necessity, "...nakereba naranai" is more suitable for everyday situations.
In the JLPT N1 exam, this pattern may appear in reading comprehension or listening sections. Be prepared to recognize and use it correctly in context.
これだけ多大な損害を与えたのだから、賠償______。
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