Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verb ないではおかない (~ nai de wa okanai)

Verb ないではおかない (~ nai de wa okanai)

Short explanation:

Used to indicate that something definitely happens as a result or a consequence of a certain action.

Formation:

Verb-ない form + ではおかない

Examples:

彼女は毎回遅刻をしては、先生に怒られないではおかない。
Kanojo wa maikai chikoku o shite wa, sensei ni okorarenai dewa okanai.
Every time she's late, she wouldn't fail to get scolded by the teacher.
美味しいものがあれば、彼は食べないではおかない。
Oishii mono ga areba, kare wa tabenai dewa okanai.
If there's delicious food, he would not fail to eat it.
この小説は感動的なので、読めば涙を流さないではおかないだろう。
Kono shousetsu wa kandouteki na node, yomeba namida o nagasanai dewa okanai darou.
This novel is so moving that one would not fail to shed tears when reading it.
彼は毎日練習しているので、試合で勝つことは負けないではおかないだろう。
Kare wa mainichi renshuu shiteiru node, shiai de katsu koto wa makenai dewa okanai darou.
Since he practices every day, he wouldn't fail to win the match.

Long explanation:

The Verb ないではおかない grammar point is used to express that something always follows or is a direct result of an action. This also implies that the speaker might not want the result to happen, but it's inevitable or likely to occur. It can be translated to English as 'would not fail to' or 'would not be complete without'. It's formed by attaching ないではおかない to the negative form of the verb.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Verb ないではおかない (~ nai de wa okanai)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ないではおかない (~ nai de wa okanai)

~ないではおかない (Verb ないではおかない)

1. Introduction

The grammar pattern ~ないではおかない is a powerful expression in Japanese that conveys a strong sense of inevitability or compulsion. It suggests that due to certain circumstances or emotions, an action must occur; one cannot help but do something.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~ないではおかない translates roughly to:

  • "Cannot help but..."
  • "Will definitely..."
  • "Cannot avoid..." It implies that an action is inevitable, driven by the speaker's emotions, sense of duty, or external circumstances.

Structure

To form this expression:

  1. Verb in Negative Form (ない form)
  2. Add ではおかない

Formation Diagram

[Verb Negative Form] + ではおかない
Component Example with 話す (to speak)
Verb (Negative Form) 話さない
Add ではおかない
Complete Formation 話さないではおかない

Detailed Explanation

  • Emotion-Driven Action: The pattern expresses that the speaker is so affected by something that not acting is impossible.
  • Inevitable Outcome: It can also indicate that an action will certainly happen due to the situation.
  • Strong Determination: Often reflects the speaker's strong will or commitment to see an action through.

3. Comparative Analysis

~ずにはおかない

A similar grammar pattern is ~ずにはおかない, which can be used interchangeably with ~ないではおかない.

Structure

  1. Verb in Negative Base Form (without ない)
  2. Add ずにはおかない For verbs:
  • 五段 Verbs: Change the u-vowel to a-vowel + ずにはおかない
    • 書く → 書か → 書かずにはおかない
  • 一段 Verbs: Remove and add ずにはおかない
    • 食べる → 食べ → 食べずにはおかない
  • Irregular Verbs:
    • する → せずにはおかない
    • くる → こずにはおかない

Nuance Differences

  • Formality: ~ずにはおかない is slightly more formal and may appear more in written language.
  • Verb Choice: Some verbs sound more natural with one form over the other; however, the meaning remains the same.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

  1. 彼の行為は非難されないではおかない。 His actions will surely be criticized.
  2. この問題は解決を求めずにはおかない。 This issue inevitably demands a solution.

Informal Context

  1. そんな面白い話を聞いたら、笑わないではおかないよ。 If I hear such a funny story, I can't help but laugh.
  2. 彼の秘密を知ったからには、驚かずにはおかない。 Knowing his secret, I can't help but be surprised.

Written Context

  1. その小説は読む者の心を揺さぶらずにはおかない。 That novel undoubtedly stirs the reader's heart.
  2. この事実は社会に影響を与えないではおかないだろう。 These facts will surely impact society.

Spoken Context

  1. あんな失礼なことを言われたら、怒らないではおかない。 Being told something so rude, I can't help but get angry.
  2. 彼女の料理を食べたら、ファンにならずにはおかないよ。 Once you've tried her cooking, you can't help but become a fan.

5. Cultural Notes

Expressing Determination and Emotion

  • In Japanese culture, direct expressions of strong emotions are often moderated.
  • Using patterns like ~ないではおかない allows speakers to convey strong feelings or determinations subtly and politely.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • This grammar can be used in both formal and informal situations.
  • Adjust the surrounding language to match the desired level of politeness.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

  1. Using the Affirmative Verb Form
    • Incorrect: 行くではおかない
    • Correct: 行かないではおかない
  2. Confusing with ~ないではいられない
    • ~ないではいられない: Cannot help but do (more about uncontrollable feelings)
    • ~ないではおかない: Inevitable action (strong determination or external necessity)

Tips

  • Mnemonic Device: Think of おかない as "won't leave it at that" – implying you must act.
  • Verb Form Consistency: Always ensure the verb is in its negative form before adding ではおかない.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~ないではおかない expresses an action that cannot be avoided due to strong emotions or circumstances.
  • Formed by adding ではおかない to the negative form of a verb.
  • Similar to ~ずにはおかない, which can be used interchangeably.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank: あの感動的な映画を見たら、涙を流さ____。
    • Answer: ないではおかない (涙を流さないではおかない)
  2. True or False: ~ないではおかない can be used to express uncontrollable personal feelings.
    • Answer: True
  3. Convert to ~ずにはおかない form: 言わないではおかない
    • Answer: 言わずにはおかない

By understanding and practicing ~ないではおかない, you will enhance your ability to express strong intentions and inevitabilities in Japanese naturally and effectively.

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