HomeGrammarJLPT N1Verb ざるを得ない (~ zaru wo enai)

Verb ざるを得ない (~ zaru wo enai)

JLPT N1

Explanation

'Cannot but', 'have no choice but to', 'forced to'

Formation

Detailed explanation

The Verb ざるを得ない construction is used when the subject is compelled or forced to do something out of necessity, leaving no other choice. It conveys the idea of 'cannot but...' or 'have no choice but...' in English.

Examples

Kono shigoto ga iya nara mō yamezaru o enai.

If you hate this job, you have no choice but to quit.

Shiken ga chikai no de, yoru osoku made benkyō sezaru o enai.

The exam is near, so I have no choice but to study late into the night.

Namida ga tomaranai. Nakazaru o enai.

My tears won't stop. I can't help but cry.

Sensei no meirei dakara, shitagawazaru o enai.

It's the teacher's order, so I have no choice but to comply.

Practice

Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.