Verb ずにはすまない

When to use

Formal, literary "cannot get away without doing X/is unavoidable".

Explanation

The grammar point ずにはすまない is used when something must be done due to social/moral obligation, necessity, or rules. It implies that there is no way around taking that action.

• この問題もんだいを解決かいけつしないと、社会しゃかい全体ぜんたいが影響えいきょうを受うけるので、解決かいけつせずにはすまない。

  Since this issue will affect the entire society if not resolved, we cannot do without solving it.

  Kono mondai o kaiketsu shinai to, shakai zentai ga eikyō o ukeru node, kaiketsu sezu ni wa sumanai.

• これは子供こどもたちの未来みらいを思おもうと、教育きょういく改革かいかくを行おこなわずにはすまないことだ。

  For the sake of the children’s future, we cannot avoid carrying out educational reforms.

  Kore wa kodomo-tachi no mirai o omou to, kyōiku kaikaku o okonawazu ni wa sumanai koto da.

• この件けんについては、彼かれに謝あやまらずにはすまない。

  Regarding this matter, I can’t do without apologizing to him.

  Kono ken ni tsuite wa, kare ni ayamarazu ni wa sumanai.

• 結婚式けっこんしきに出席しゅっせきするなら、プレゼントを渡わたさずにはすまない。

  If you attend a wedding, you have to bring a gift.

  Kekkonshiki ni shusseki suru nara, purezento o watasazu ni wa sumanai.

Can't Help But (Overwhelming Feeling)

• ～ていられない〜te irarenaiN2Expresses that one cannot afford to do something; 'can't…
• ～でたまらない〜de tamaranaiN2Express extremely strong feelings or sensations; 'can't…
• Verb てやまないVerb te yamanaiN1Used with certain emotional/mental verbs to show a strong…
• ～ずにはいられない〜zu ni wa irarenaiN2Cannot help but; cannot resist doing; an irresistible urge.
• ～でならない〜de naranaiN2Indicates an uncontrollable emotion or feeling; 'can’t…
• ～てかなわない〜te kanawanaiN2Expresses that something cannot be endured, tolerated, or…

Compare when to use each