Processing keyword: ～ずに (〜zu ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ずに (〜zu ni)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～ずに (〜zu ni), which translates to "without doing [something]" in English. This structure is used to indicate that an action occurs without performing another action. Understanding ～ずに will enhance your ability to express actions done in the absence of something else.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～ずに means "without doing [something]".

Structure

• Verb Negative Base + ずに

Formation Diagram

To form ～ずに, follow these steps:

1. Conjugate the verb to its negative (ない-form).
2. Remove the final ない.
3. Add ずに to the verb stem.

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Verb Conjugation Table

Verb Type	Dictionary Form	ない-form	Remove ない	Add ずに	～ずに Form
Godan Verbs	行く (いく)	行かない	行か	行かずに	行かずに
	話す (はなす)	話さない	話さ	話さずに	話さずに
Ichidan Verbs	食べる (たべる)	食べない	食べ	食べずに	食べずに
	見る (みる)	見ない	見	見ずに	見ずに
Irregular Verbs	する	しない	し	せずに	せずに
	来る (くる)	来ない (こない)	来 (こ)	来ずに	来ずに

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Detailed Explanation

• Godan Verbs (U-verbs):
  • Example: 書く (to write)
    1. Negative form: 書かない
    2. Remove ない: 書か
    3. Add ずに: 書かずに (without writing)
• Ichidan Verbs (Ru-verbs):
  • Example: 食べる (to eat)
    1. Negative form: 食べない
    2. Remove ない: 食べ
    3. Add ずに: 食べずに (without eating)
• Irregular Verbs:
  • する (to do)
    • Negative form: しない
    • Remove ない: し
    • Special change: し → せ
    • Add ずに: せずに (without doing)
  • 来る (to come)
    • Negative form: 来ない (こない)
    • Remove ない: 来 (こ)
    • Add ずに: 来ずに (こずに) (without coming)

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3. Comparative Analysis

～ずに vs. ～ないで

Both ～ずに and ～ないで mean "without doing [something]", but there are subtle differences:

• ～ずに
  • Formality: More formal and often used in written language.
  • Usage: Preferred in written contexts, literature, and formal speeches.
• ～ないで
  • Formality: More conversational and common in spoken language.
  • Usage: Preferred in everyday conversations and informal writing. Example:
• 宿題をしないで遊んだ。
  • Shukudai o shinaide asonda.
  • I played without doing my homework. (Casual)
• 宿題をせずに遊んだ。
  • Shukudai o sezuni asonda.
  • I played without doing my homework. (Formal)

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4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 朝ごはんを食べずに学校へ行きました。
   • Asagohan o tabezuni gakkou e ikimashita.
   • I went to school without eating breakfast.
2. 彼は何も言わずに部屋を出て行った。
   • Kare wa nanimo iwazuni heya o deteitta.
   • He left the room without saying anything.
3. 傘を持たずに出かけた。
   • Kasa o motazuni dekaketa.
   • I went out without taking an umbrella.
4. 宿題をせずにテレビを見ている。
   • Shukudai o sezuni terebi o miteiru.
   • I'm watching TV without doing my homework.
5. 彼女は休まずに働き続けた。
   • Kanojo wa yasumazuni hatarakitsuzuketa.
   • She continued working without taking a break.

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Context Variations

• Formal Written:
  • 詳細を確認せずに契約を結んではいけません。
    • Shousai o kakunin sezuni keiyaku o musunde wa ikemasen.
    • You must not sign a contract without checking the details.
• Informal Spoken:
  • 昨日は歯を磨かないで寝ちゃった。
    • Kinou wa ha o migakanaide nechatta.
    • I went to bed without brushing my teeth yesterday.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Politeness Levels:
  • Choosing between ～ずに and ～ないで can reflect the level of formality and politeness in a conversation.
  • Using ～ずに may sound more formal or polite, suitable for addressing superiors or in formal writing.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 何も言わずに (Nanimo iwazuni) - without saying anything
  • Commonly used to describe someone leaving or acting without explanation.
• 休まずに働く (Yasumazuni hataraku) - to work without resting
  • Reflects diligence and hard work, valued traits in Japanese culture.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Incorrect Attachment of ずに:
   • Incorrect: 食べないずに
     • Using ないずに instead of removing ない and adding ずに.
   • Correct: 食べずに
2. Incorrect Irregular Verb Conjugation:
   • Incorrect: しずに
     • Using しずに instead of せずに for する.
   • Correct: せずに
3. Using ずに with Adjectives or Nouns:
   • Incorrect: 静かずに
     • ずに cannot be used with adjectives.
   • Tip: Use appropriate negative forms for adjectives and nouns.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • Remember that ず is an old-fashioned negative form, similar to "un-" or "non-" in English.
• Practice Makes Perfect:
  • Regularly practice conjugating verbs into their ～ずに forms to build confidence.
• Remember Irregular Verbs:
  • Pay special attention to する (せずに) and 来る (来ずに), as they don't follow the standard pattern.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～ずに is used to express "without doing [something]".
• Formed by adding ずに to the negative base of a verb.
• It's more formal than ～ないで and commonly used in written or formal contexts.
• Be cautious with irregular verbs and ensure correct conjugation.

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Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you form the ～ずに form of a verb?
2. Which is more formal, ～ずに or ～ないで?
3. Convert the following verbs to their ～ずに form: a) 話す (to speak) b) 読む (to read) c) 行く (to go)
4. Correct the mistake in this sentence:
   • 彼は宿題をしないずに遊んでいる。

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Answers:

1. Form the ～ずに form by:
   • Conjugating the verb to its negative form (ない-form).
   • Removing the final ない.
   • Adding ずに to the verb stem.
2. ～ずに is more formal than ～ないで.
3. Conversions: a) 話さない → 話さ → 話さずに b) 読まない → 読ま → 読まずに c) 行かない → 行か → 行かずに
4. Corrected Sentence:
   • 彼は宿題を せずに 遊んでいる。
     • Using せずに instead of しないずに for the verb する.

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By mastering ～ずに, you'll be able to express complex ideas about actions not taken during other activities, enhancing both your spoken and written Japanese.

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