～ではすまない

When to use

ではすまない: X alone won't settle it (謝るだけではすまない).

Explanation

The grammar point ～ではすまない is used when the speaker strongly feels that an action or situation alone is not sufficient or acceptable, implying that more serious measures are needed or that the consequences are more severe.

• ただ謝あやまるではすまない。何なにか行動こうどうを取とらなければならない。

  Just apologizing will not suffice. Some action needs to be taken.

  Tada ayamaru dewa sumanai. Nanika koudou o toranakereba naranai.

• この問題もんだいは議論ぎろんだけではすまない。具体的ぐたいてきな計画けいかくが必要ひつようだ。

  This problem won't be solved with just discussions. A concrete plan is needed.

  Kono mondai wa giron dake dewa sumanai. Gutaiteki na keikaku ga hitsuyou da.

• 彼かの失敗しっぱいは注意ちゅういだけではすまない。彼かれはその責任せきにんを取とるべきだ。

  His failure won't be resolved with just a warning. He should take responsibility.

  Kare no shippai wa chuui dake dewa sumanai. Kare wa sono sekinin o toru beki da.

• この失敗しっぱいは金かねだけではすまない。信頼しんらいを取とり戻もどすため、真心まごころで謝罪しゃざいするべきだ。

  This mistake cannot be settled with money alone. To regain trust, an earnest apology is needed.

  Kono shippai wa kane dake dewa sumanai. Shinrai o torimodosu tame, magokoro de shazai suru beki da.

Inevitable (Cannot Help But)

• Verb ざるを得ない~ zaru wo enaiN1'Cannot but', 'have no choice but to', 'forced to'
• ～ざるを得ない〜zaru wo enaiN2Have no choice but to; cannot help but.
• Verb ずにはおかない~zuni wa okanaiN1Expresses 'cannot help but...', 'will definitely...', or…
• Verb ないではすまないVerb nai dewa sumanaiN1'Cannot end without doing', 'must do' - an unavoidable…
• Noun を禁じ得ない〜wo kinjienaiN1'Cannot help but do', or 'inevitable'
• ～よりほかない〜yori hoka naiN2Express that there is no other choice; 'have no choice…
• Noun だけではすまないNoun dake dewa sumanaiN1Expresses 'it can't be settled with just...', 'cannot be…

Compare when to use each