InitialJ
N1necessityobligationN1 grammar

ずにはすまない (zuniwa sumanai) - Cannot Avoid Doing

Verb-ない + ずにはすまない

Quick answer

Verb-ない + ずにはすまない means "Cannot avoid doing ~". Mastering this N1 structure builds fluency for reading and listening. Full examples and exercises are below.

Meaning

Cannot avoid doing ~

Explanation

This grammar pattern indicates an inevitable necessity or obligation to do something. It suggests that, due to circumstances or duties, avoiding the action is not an option.

Examples

謝らずにはすまない状況だ。
あやまらずにはすまないじょうきょうだ。
It's a situation where I must apologize.
状—Form況—Condition
決断せずにはすまない場面だ。
けつだんせずにはすまないばめんだ。
It's a situation where a decision must be made.
場—Place
これ以上話を聞かずにはすまない。
これいじょうはなしをきかずにはすまない。
I can't help but listen further.
上—Top話—Talk

Practice this grammar

Verb-ない + ずにはすまない

Which sentence correctly uses "ずにはすまない (zuniwa sumanai) - Cannot Avoid Doing"?

Vocabulary from these examples

況ConditionN2上Top上Upper part上Top場Place状Form話Talk

Last updated Jul 4, 2026