Processing keyword: ～ずにはいられない (〜zu ni wa irarenai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ずにはいられない (〜zu ni wa irarenai)

～ずにはいられない (〜zu ni wa irarenai)

1. Introduction

The grammar point ～ずにはいられない expresses an irresistible urge to do something. It conveys the idea that the speaker "can't help but..." perform an action due to strong feelings or circumstances.

Meaning

• Cannot help but...
• Cannot help doing...
• Can't resist...

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Structure

• Verb (Negative Stem) + ずにはいられない

Formation Diagram

For most verbs:

Detailed Explanation

1. Create the Negative Stem: Convert the verb to its negative form (ない形) and remove the ない.
2. Add ずにはいられない: Attach ずにはいられない to the negative stem.
3. Special Note on する: The verb する becomes せずにはいられない.

3. Comparative Analysis

～ずにはいられない vs. ～ないではいられない

Both expressions mean "can't help but...", but there are subtle differences. | | ～ずにはいられない | ～ないではいられない | |---------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------| | Formality | More formal/written | More conversational | | Usage | Used in formal writing, literature | Common in spoken language | | Formation | Verb Negative Stem + ずにはいられない | Verb Negative Form + ではいられない | | Example | 行かずにはいられない | 行かないではいられない |

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. 彼のジョークを聞いて、笑わずにはいられなかった。 Kare no jōku o kiite, warawazu ni wa irarenakatta. "I couldn't help but laugh after hearing his joke."
2. この曲を聞くと、踊らずにはいられない。 Kono kyoku o kiku to, odorazu ni wa irarenai. "When I hear this song, I can't help but dance."
3. 彼女の態度に、文句を言わずにはいられなかった。 Kanojo no taido ni, monku o iwazu ni wa irarenakatta. "I couldn't help but complain about her attitude."
4. 美味しそうなケーキを見て、食べずにはいられなかった。 Oishisō na kēki o mite, tabezuni wa irarenakatta. "Seeing the delicious-looking cake, I couldn't help but eat it."
5. 忙しいのに、彼に会いたくて電話をせずにはいられない。 Isogashii noni, kare ni aitakute denwa o sezuni wa irarenai. "Even though I'm busy, I can't help but call him because I want to see him."

5. Cultural Notes

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• ～ずにはいられない is often used in formal writing, literature, and speeches.
• In casual conversation, people may prefer ～ないではいられない.

Idiomatic Expressions

• This grammar point reflects the Japanese cultural emphasis on restraint and subtle expression of emotions.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Incorrect Verb Form: Using the plain negative form instead of the negative stem.
  • Wrong: 行かないずにはいられない。
  • Right: 行かずにはいられない。
• Forgetting the Special Form of する:
  • Wrong: しずにはいられない。
  • Right: せずにはいられない。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic: Think of ず as an old negative form (like "not"), so 行かずにはいられない literally feels like "I can't exist without not going," meaning "I can't help but go."
• Practice: Create sentences using verbs you commonly use to become familiar with the pattern.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Meaning: Expresses that one cannot help but do something.
• Structure: Verb Negative Stem + ずにはいられない.
• Special Verb: する becomes せずにはいられない.
• Formality: More formal than ～ないではいられない.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Form the expression with the verb 書く (かく).
   • Answer: 書かずにはいられない
2. Translate to English: 彼のことを忘れずにはいられない。
   • Answer: "I can't help but think about him."
3. True or False: ～ずにはいられない is more common in casual spoken Japanese.
   • Answer: False (It's more formal; ～ないではいられない is more common in casual speech.)