Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verb ずじまい (~zu jimai)

Verb ずじまい (~zu jimai)

Short explanation:

Expressing regret for not having done something; not being able to; not having the chance to.

Formation:

Verb-ない form (remove ない) + ずじまい

Examples:

日本へ来て、一度も富士山を見ることなく帰国せずじまいだ。
Nihon e kite, ichido mo Fuji-san o miru koto naku kikoku sezu jimai da.
I came to Japan but ended up going home without ever getting to see Mt. Fuji.
出張のため、彼女に会わずじまいだった。
Shucchou no tame, kanojo ni awa zu jimai datta.
Because I was on a business trip, I ended up not meeting her.
昨日は疲れすぎて、宿題をせずじまいだ。
Kinou wa tsukaresugite, shukudai o sezu jimai da.
I ended up not doing my homework yesterday because I was too tired.
着物を買ったが、結局、一度も着ずじまいだ。
Kimono o katta ga, kekkyoku, ichido mo kizu jimai da.
I bought a kimono, but in the end, I never got the chance to wear it.

Long explanation:

The Japanese grammar point ~ずじまい (~zu jimai) is used to express regret for not doing something, not being able to do it, or not getting the chance to. The action that one regrets not doing is something that can still be done, meaning that there is future opportunity to do so.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Verb ずじまい (~zu jimai)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ずじまい (~zu jimai)

Verb ずじまい (~zu jimai) Grammar Point

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar point ずじまい (~zu jimai) is used to express the idea of not being able to do something until the end or having an action remain undone. It reflects a sense of regret or disappointment about an action that was planned but ultimately not completed.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

  • Meaning: The phrase implies that an action was intended to be performed, but for some reason, it was not completed. It carries a nuance of disappointment or regret.

  • Structure:

    • The structure of ずじまい is formed by negating the verb in its masu form and attaching followed by じまい.
    • Verb (masu stem) + ず + じまい

Formation Diagram

[Verb in masu form] -ます --> [Remove ます] --> [Add ず] --> [Add じまい]

Examples of Conjugation:

  • 食べる (taberu - to eat)

    • 食べずじまい (tabedzu jimai - couldn't eat)
  • 行く (iku - to go)

    • 行かずじまい (ikazujimai - couldn't go)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

  • Verb ない (nai): This simply expresses the negation without the nuance of regret.

    • Example: 食べない (tabenai - don't eat)
  • Verb なくて (nakute): This implies "because of not doing" but does not carry the same finality as ずじまい.

    • Example: 食べなくて (tabenakute - because I didn't eat, implying potential consequences)

Key Differences:

  • ずじまい adds a layer of regret about inaction.
  • It focuses on actions that were intended but not achieved.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  • Formal:
    • 本を読むつもりでしたが、忙しくて読まずじまいでした。
      • (I intended to read a book, but I was busy and ended up not reading it.)
  • Informal:
    • 旅行に行く予定だったけど、行かずじまい。
      • (I was supposed to go on a trip, but I didn't end up going.)
  • Written:
    • このプロジェクトに参加したかったが、都合がつかずじまいだった。
      • (I wanted to participate in this project, but due to circumstances, I couldn't.)
  • Spoken:
    • 映画を見たかったけど、時間がなくて見ずじまいだよ。
      • (I wanted to watch a movie, but I didn’t have the time, so I didn’t end up watching it.)

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

The use of ずじまい often reflects a cultural tendency to express humility and acknowledgment of one's limitations or situations beyond control. It fits well with the Japanese value of modesty in acknowledging one’s inability to fulfill a commitment, which often manifests as expressing regret.

Idiomatic Expressions

The expression can be seen in phrases like:

  • 「行けずじまい」 (ikezu jimai - couldn't go)
  • 「買えずじまい」 (kaezu jimai - couldn't buy)

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Common Mistake: Misusing with an affirmative action. Example: 行きずじまい should always express inability.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic Device: Remember as the key to negate and じまい as indicating the end result (which remains undone). Think of it as "the intended action remains unfinished."

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ずじまい expresses an uncompleted action with a nuance of regret.
  • Formed by negating a verb and adding ずじまい.
  • Reflects Japanese cultural values of humility and acknowledgment of situations.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. What does ずじまい express?
  2. How do you conjugate a verb to form ずじまい?
  3. Give an example of ずじまい in a sentence. Feel free to review these points and practice forming your own sentences using ずじまい!
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