Processing keyword: ～ずにすんだ (〜zuni sunda)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ずにすんだ (〜zuni sunda)

Grammar Point: ～ずにすんだ (〜zuni sunda)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ～ずにすんだ (〜zuni sunda). This expression is used to convey relief that an action you anticipated or feared didn't happen, or that you managed to avoid doing something undesirable.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

～ずにすんだ means:

• "Managed to get by without doing..."
• "Ended up not having to..."
• "Was able to avoid..." It expresses relief that something unpleasant or unnecessary was avoided.

Structure

The structure for forming ～ずにすんだ is:

1. Verb Negative Stem + ずにすんだ

Formation Steps

1. Take the dictionary form of the verb. Example: 食べる (taberu)
2. Convert it to the negative stem by replacing the negative ending "ない" with "ず".
   • 食べる → Negative form: 食べない
   • Remove ない, add ず: 食べず Note: For verbs ending with -う, the negative stem ends with an -あ sound plus ず.
   • 行く (iku) → Negative stem: 行かず (ikazu)
3. Add "にすんだ" to the negative stem.
   • 食べず + にすんだ = 食べずにすんだ

Irregular Verb: する

• する becomes せずにすんだ

Formation Diagram

3. Comparative Analysis

～ないで済む (～naide sumu)

A similar expression is ～ないで済む, which also means "to get by without doing something."

Differences

• ～ずにすんだ is more formal and often used in written language.
• ～ないで済む is more colloquial and common in spoken language.

Example Comparison

• Formal (Written):
  • パスポートを取りに行かずにすんだ。
  • I managed to avoid going to get the passport.
• Casual (Spoken):
  • パスポートを取りに行かないで済んだ。
  • I didn't have to go to get the passport.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Written Context

Japanese: 問題が早く解決して、時間を無駄にせずにすんだ。 Romaji: Mondai ga hayaku kaiketsu shite, jikan o muda ni sezu ni sunda. English Translation: The problem was resolved quickly, so I avoided wasting time.

Example 2: Business Setting

Japanese: 顧客からのクレームを受けずにすんで安心しました。 Romaji: Kokyaku kara no kureemu o ukezuni sunde anshin shimashita. English Translation: I'm relieved that we avoided receiving a complaint from the customer.

Example 3: Casual Spoken Context

Japanese: 渋滞がなかったから、遅刻せずにすんだよ。 Romaji: Jūtai ga nakatta kara, chikoku sezu ni sunda yo. English Translation: Since there was no traffic jam, I managed not to be late.

Example 4: Personal Experience

Japanese: 友達が車で送ってくれたので、歩かずにすんだ。 Romaji: Tomodachi ga kuruma de okutte kureta node, arukazu ni sunda. English Translation: My friend gave me a ride, so I didn't have to walk.

Example 5: Avoiding Unpleasant Task

Japanese: 幸運にも試験を受けずにすんだ。 Romaji: Kōun ni mo shiken o ukezuni sunda. English Translation: Fortunately, I was able to avoid taking the exam.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Expressing Modesty: In Japanese culture, there's value placed on humility and not boasting. Using ～ずにすんだ allows speakers to express relief without overt pride.
• Formal vs. Casual Speech: Choosing between ～ずにすんだ and ～ないで済む can reflect the social context and the level of formality appropriate for the situation.

Levels of Politeness

• ～ずにすんだ is suitable for formal writing, such as reports, essays, and formal conversations.
• Using polite forms and formal expressions is important in business settings and when speaking to superiors.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 済んだこと (sunda koto): "Something that is over/past." Often used to suggest moving on from an issue.
  • Example: 済んだことは仕方ない。
  • What's done is done.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Incorrect Negative Stem Formation
   • Mistake: 食べないずにすんだ。
   • Correction: 食べずにすんだ。 Explanation: Do not include "ない" when forming the negative stem; replace "ない" with "ず".
2. Using the Wrong Negative Form for する
   • Mistake: しずにすんだ。
   • Correction: せずにすんだ。 Explanation: The verb する is irregular and its negative stem is せず, not しず.
3. Confusion with ～なくてすんだ
   • Mistake: 行かなくてすんだ。
   • Correction: 行かずにすんだ。 Explanation: While ～なくてすんだ may be understood, ～ずにすんだ is the correct and more natural expression.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that ず is an old-fashioned negative, so think of Verb + ずにすんだ as "Without doing Verb, it ended."
• Practice with Common Verbs: Start by conjugating common verbs into this form to get comfortable.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Usage: Use ～ずにすんだ to express relief at avoiding something undesirable.
• Formation: Negative stem of the verb + ずにすんだ.
• Formality: More formal than ～ないで済む, suitable for written and formal spoken Japanese.
• Irregular Verb する: Be careful with irregular verbs—する becomes せずにすんだ.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Question: Fill in the blank with the correct form of ～ずにすんだ: 雨が降らなかったので、傘を持って行か___。 Answer: 雨が降らなかったので、傘を持って行かずにすんだ。 (Since it didn't rain, I didn't have to take an umbrella.)
2. Question: What's the ～ずにすんだ form of the verb 読む (yomu)? Answer: 読まずにすんだ
3. Question: True or False: ～ずにすんだ is commonly used in casual, everyday conversation. Answer: False Explanation: It's more formal and often used in written language.
4. Question: How do you express "I managed to avoid doing homework" using ～ずにすんだ? Answer: 宿題をせずにすんだ。

By understanding and practicing ～ずにすんだ, you'll be able to express relief and discuss outcomes where something undesirable was avoided, all while enhancing the formality and nuance in your Japanese communication.