Verb ざるを得ない JLPT N1 Very formal / literary
~ zaru wo enai
'Cannot but', 'have no choice but to', 'forced to'
Formal, literary "have no choice but to/cannot avoid doing" - circumstances leave no alternative.
Formation
Verb-dictionary form + ざるを得ない (する -> せざるを得ない)
Explanation
The Verb ざるを得ない construction is used when the subject is compelled or forced to do something out of necessity, leaving no other choice. It conveys the idea of 'cannot but...' or 'have no choice but...' in English.
Example sentences
-
If you hate this job, you have no choice but to quit.
Kono shigoto ga iya nara mō yamezaru o enai.
-
The exam is near, so I have no choice but to study late into the night.
Shiken ga chikai no de, yoru osoku made benkyō sezaru o enai.
-
My tears won't stop. I can't help but cry.
Namida ga tomaranai. Nakazaru o enai.
-
It's the teacher's order, so I have no choice but to comply.
Sensei no meirei dakara, shitagawazaru o enai.
Inevitable (Cannot Help But)
- ～ざるを得ない JLPT N2
- Verb ずにはおかない JLPT N1
- Verb ないではすまない JLPT N1
- Noun を禁じ得ない JLPT N1
- ～よりほかない JLPT N2