Processing keyword: Verb ないではすまない (Verb nai dewa sumanai)
Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ないではすまない (Verb nai dewa sumanai)
1. Introduction
In this lesson, we'll explore the Japanese grammar point ないではすまない (nai dewa sumanai). This expression conveys a strong sense of obligation or inevitability to perform an action. It is often used when one must do something to resolve a situation, meet social expectations, or fulfill a moral duty.
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
ないではすまない means:
- "Cannot avoid doing..."
- "Must do..."
- "Cannot get away without doing..." It implies that not performing the action would lead to negative consequences, such as social disapproval or unresolved issues.
Structure
Formation Diagram
Verb (ない-form) + ではすまない
Where:
- Verb (ない-form): Negative form of the verb.
- ではすまない: An expression meaning "will not end/resolved without..."
Example Formation
- する (to do) → しない
- しないではすまない: Cannot avoid doing; must do.
Detailed Explanation
- Verb (ない-form): Take the negative form of the verb.
- では: Particle combining で (indicating means or condition) and は (topic marker).
- すまない: Negative form of 済む (sumu), meaning "to end" or "to be sufficient." Together, ないではすまない conveys that not doing the action will not suffice; therefore, one must do it.
3. Comparative Analysis
Similar Grammar Points
| Grammar Point | Meaning | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| ないわけにはいかない | Cannot help but do; must do | Strong moral or social obligation |
| ずにはいられない | Can't help but feel compelled to do | Inner compulsion; uncontrollable feeling |
| なければならない | Must do; have to do | General necessity or obligation |
Differences
- ないではすまない emphasizes external pressures or consequences.
- ないわけにはいかない suggests moral duty or logical necessity.
- ずにはいられない reflects internal compulsion.
4. Examples in Context
Example 1: Formal Situation
彼は遅刻したから、謝らないではすまない。 Kareshi wa chikoku shita kara, ayamaranaide wa sumanai.
- Translation: Since he was late, he must apologize.
- Context: In a workplace or formal setting where punctuality is important.
Example 2: Social Obligation
こんな高価な物を壊してしまって、弁償しないではすまないだろう。 Konna kouka na mono o kowashite shimatte, benshou shinaide wa sumanai darou.
- Translation: Having broken such an expensive item, I must compensate for it.
- Context: Acknowledging responsibility for damage caused.
Example 3: Personal Accountability
真実を知った以上、彼に知らせないではすまない。 Shinjitsu o shitta ijou, kare ni shirasanaide wa sumanai.
- Translation: Now that I know the truth, I must inform him.
- Context: Feeling obliged to share important information.
Example 4: Cultural Norms
親友の結婚式に出席しないではすまない。 Shinyuu no kekkonshiki ni shusseki shinaide wa sumanai.
- Translation: I must attend my best friend's wedding.
- Context: Social expectation to attend significant events.
Example 5: Legal Obligation
法律を破ったのだから、罰を受けないではすまない。 Houritsu o yabutta no dakara, batsu o ukenaide wa sumanai.
- Translation: Because I broke the law, I must face punishment.
- Context: Accepting consequences of illegal actions.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
- Collectivist Society: In Japanese culture, harmony and group cohesion are paramount. ないではすまない reflects the pressure to conform to social norms.
- Responsibility and Apology: Apologizing and making amends are important. This expression is commonly used when one must take responsibility.
Levels of Politeness and Formality
- Often used in formal or written contexts.
- Indicates a serious tone and recognition of obligations.
Idiomatic Expressions
- 謝らないではすまない (Ayamaranaide wa sumanai): Must apologize.
- 説明しないではすまない (Setsumei shinaide wa sumanai): Must explain.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Using the Affirmative Verb Form
- Incorrect: 行くではすまない
- Correct: 行かないではすまない Always use the ない-form of the verb.
- Confusing with Similar Expressions
- Mixing up with ずにはいられない.
- ないではすまない: External obligation.
- ずにはいられない: Internal compulsion.
- Mixing up with ずにはいられない.
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of すまない as "won't end" or "won't be resolved" unless the action is taken.
- Practice: Create sentences using actions you feel obliged to do due to social norms.
- Visualize Scenarios: Imagine situations where not acting would lead to problems.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- ないではすまない expresses a strong obligation to act due to external pressures.
- Formed by adding ではすまない to the ない-form of a verb.
- Different from expressions indicating internal feelings (ずにはいられない).
Quick Recap Quiz
- How is the grammar point ないではすまない formed?
- Answer: By attaching ではすまない to the ない-form of a verb.
- What does ないではすまない imply about obligation?
- Answer: It implies an unavoidable obligation due to external factors or social expectations.
- Translate the following sentence:
約束を破ったら、謝罪しないではすまない。
Yakusoku o yabuttara, shazai shinaide wa sumanai.
- Answer: If you break a promise, you must apologize.
By understanding ないではすまない, you enhance your ability to express obligations influenced by societal expectations in Japanese.