Processing keyword: Noun を禁じ得ない (〜wo kinjienai)
Japanese Grammar Point: Noun を禁じ得ない (〜wo kinjienai)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point Noun を禁じ得ない (〜をきんじえない). This expression is used to convey that one cannot suppress or help but feel a certain emotion toward something. It's a formal construct often found in written language, such as newspapers, literature, or official reports.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
Noun を禁じ得ない expresses that the speaker cannot control or suppress an emotion elicited by a particular situation or event. It conveys involuntary feelings that arise naturally.
Structure
The structure of this grammar point is straightforward:
[Noun] を 禁じ得ない
- [Noun]: A noun representing an emotion or feeling.
- を: Object particle indicating the direct object.
- 禁じ得ない: "Cannot suppress" or "cannot help but feel."
Formation Diagram
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| [Emotion Noun] | The emotion felt (e.g., 驚き, 怒り) |
| を | Object marker particle |
| 禁じ得ない | Cannot suppress / Cannot help but feel |
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
- 〜ないではいられない / 〜ずにはいられない
- Meaning: Cannot help but do ~ (an action).
- Usage: Used with verbs to express an uncontrollable action.
- Example: 笑わないではいられない。("I can't help but laugh.")
Differences
〜を禁じ得ない:
- Used with nouns (emotions).
- Emphasizes inability to suppress feelings.
- More formal, often used in writing.
〜ないではいられない / 〜ずにはいられない:
- Used with verbs.
- Focuses on uncontrollable actions.
- Can be used in both spoken and written language.
4. Examples in Context
Example Sentences
- 彼の勇気ある行動に感動を禁じ得ない。
- Translation: "I cannot help but feel moved by his courageous actions."
- Context: Expressing deep admiration.
- そのニュースを聞いて驚きを禁じ得なかった。
- Translation: "I couldn't suppress my astonishment upon hearing the news."
- Context: Reacting to unexpected information.
- 彼女の悲しい物語に涙を禁じ得ない。
- Translation: "I cannot hold back my tears at her sad story."
- Context: Expressing empathy and sorrow.
- 政府の対応には疑問を禁じ得ない。
- Translation: "I cannot help but doubt the government's response."
- Context: Questioning or criticizing authority.
- 彼の失礼な態度に怒りを禁じ得なかった。
- Translation: "I couldn't suppress my anger at his rude behavior."
- Context: Feeling anger due to someone's actions.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Formality: This expression is formal and is commonly used in written Japanese, such as newspapers, academic writings, and formal speeches.
- Emotional Expression: Japanese culture often values restraint in emotional expression. Using 〜を禁じ得ない emphasizes that the emotion is so strong that it cannot be suppressed, which underscores the significance of the situation.
Idiomatic Expressions
While 〜を禁じ得ない itself is a set phrase, it's often used with certain emotion-related nouns:
- 驚き (おどろき): Surprise
- 悲しみ (かなしみ): Sadness
- 怒り (いかり): Anger
- 同情 (どうじょう): Sympathy
- 感動 (かんどう): Being moved
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using Verbs Instead of Nouns: Remember that 〜を禁じ得ない is used with nouns, not verbs.
- Incorrect: 笑うを禁じ得ない。
- Correct: 笑いを禁じ得ない。
- Inappropriate Context: Avoid using it in casual conversation; it's too formal.
- Incorrect: 昨日の映画は面白くて笑いを禁じ得ないよ！
- Correct: 昨日の映画は面白くて、笑わずにはいられなかったよ！
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of 禁じる (to prohibit) and 得ない (cannot obtain), combining to mean "cannot prohibit (suppress)" an emotion.
- Practice with Emotion Nouns: Familiarize yourself with common emotion nouns to use with this expression.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- Noun を禁じ得ない is used to express that one cannot suppress a certain emotion.
- It is a formal expression, mainly found in written Japanese.
- The structure is: [Emotion Noun] を 禁じ得ない.
Quick Recap Quiz
- Fill in the blank with the correct form:
彼の失敗に（ ）を禁じ得ない。
a) 笑い
b) 笑う
c) 笑って - True or False: 〜を禁じ得ない can be used with verbs.
- Choose the appropriate context for using 〜を禁じ得ない:
a) Informal chat with friends
b) Newspaper article
c) Casual blog post
Answers:
- a) 笑い
- False
- b) Newspaper article