Processing keyword: ～ではすまない (〜dewa sumanai)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～ではすまない (〜dewa sumanai)

Understanding the Japanese Grammar Point: ～ではすまない (〜dewa sumanai)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressing that something cannot be resolved or overlooked easily requires specific grammatical structures. One such expression is ～ではすまない (〜dewa sumanai), which conveys the idea that "it won't end with just..." or "cannot be settled with only...". This grammar point is essential for expressing a sense of inevitability or insufficiency in dealing with a situation, often implying that more serious consequences or actions are necessary.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression ～ではすまない (〜dewa sumanai) is used to indicate that something cannot be resolved merely by a certain action or situation; more is required. It conveys a sense that the matter is too serious to be settled with just what has been mentioned. Translations:

• "Cannot be settled with..."
• "Won't end with..."
• "Won't be enough to..."

Structure

Formation

Formation Diagram

[ Noun / Verb (て-form) ] + ではすまない

Explanation

• では is the particle で (indicating means or context) combined with the topic marker は.
• すまない is the negative form of 済む (すむ), meaning "to finish" or "to be settled".
• Together, ～ではすまない literally means "it won't be settled with...", implying that the mentioned action is insufficient.

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

～だけではすまない

• Meaning: "It won't end with just..."
• Usage: Emphasizes that only the mentioned action is not enough.
• Example:
  • Japanese: 謝るだけではすまない。
  • English: Apologizing alone won't suffice.

～ずにはすまない

• Meaning: "Must..." / "Cannot help but..."
• Usage: Expresses that an action is unavoidable due to social or moral obligations.
• Example:
  • Japanese: 真実を明かさずにはすまない。
  • English: I must reveal the truth.

Differences and Nuances

• ～ではすまない focuses on the insufficiency of an action.
• ～ずにはすまない emphasizes the necessity of performing an action.

4. Examples in Context

Example 1: Formal Context

• Japanese: 社長に迷惑をかけたのだから、謝罪ではすまない。
• Romaji: Shachō ni meiwaku o kaketa noda kara, shazai de wa sumanai.
• English: Since I caused trouble for the president, an apology won't suffice.

Example 2: Informal Context

• Japanese: あんなことしたら、ただではすまないよ。
• Romaji: Anna koto shitara, tada de wa sumanai yo.
• English: If you do something like that, you won't get away with just that.

Example 3: Written Context

• Japanese: 法律を破った以上、罰金ではすまないだろう。
• Romaji: Hōritsu o yabutta ijō, bakkin de wa sumanai darō.
• English: Having broken the law, a fine probably won't settle it.

Example 4: Spoken Context

• Japanese: 約束を破ったんだから、怒られるだけではすまないかも。
• Romaji: Yakusoku o yabutta ndakara, okorareru dake de wa sumanai kamo.
• English: Since I broke the promise, just being scolded might not be enough.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, maintaining social harmony and fulfilling obligations are highly valued. The expression ～ではすまない reflects the importance of taking appropriate responsibility when one has caused inconvenience or harm. It emphasizes that minimal actions are inadequate in serious situations, and more significant efforts are necessary to restore balance.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

• Formal Situations: Use the full form ではすまない.
• Casual Conversations: The contraction じゃすまない may be used.

Idiomatic Expressions

ただではすまない

• Meaning: "Won't get off lightly" / "Won't go unpunished"
• Example:
  • Japanese: 彼はただではすまないだろう。
  • English: He won't get off lightly.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Using with Positive Outcomes

• Incorrect: 試験に合格してはすまない。
• Explanation: The expression is not used for positive situations.
• Correction: 試験に合格しても満足してはいけない。

Mistake 2: Misplacing Particles

• Incorrect: 問題で済まない。
• Explanation: Missing the topic marker は in では.
• Correction: 問題ではすまない。

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Think of すまない as "won't finish," so ではすまない means "won't be settled with..."
• Practice: Create sentences involving serious situations where simple actions aren't enough.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Usage: Expresses that an action or situation is insufficient to resolve a matter.
• Formed With: Nouns or verb (て-form) + ではすまない.
• Conveys: Necessity for more significant actions due to the seriousness of the issue.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does ～ではすまない express in a sentence?
   • It expresses that something cannot be resolved with just the mentioned action; more is required.
2. How do you form ～ではすまない with a noun?
   • Attach ではすまない directly to the noun: Noun + ではすまない.
3. Correct the mistake in the sentence:
   • Incorrect: 彼に感謝してはすまない。
   • Correction: 彼に感謝するだけではすまない。
     • Explanation: Add だけ to emphasize that just thanking him is not enough.

By understanding ～ではすまない, you can effectively express situations where minimal actions are insufficient, adding depth and nuance to your Japanese communication.