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JLPT N2 Very formal / literary

〜zu ni wa irarenai

Cannot help but; cannot resist doing; an irresistible urge.

"Cannot resist doing/an irresistible urge" - the everyday version of the overwhelming-feeling idea.

Formation

Explanation

The ～ずにはいられない grammar point expresses that one cannot resist or help doing something. In other words, there is a strong urge that one cannot suppress. It's formed from the negative stem of a verb plus ずにはいられない. (Note: する -> せずにはいられない.)

Example sentences

  • When I hear this song, I can’t help but sing.

    Kono kyoku o kiku to, utawazu ni wa irarenai.

  • When I see her crying, I can’t resist comforting her.

    Kanojo ga naite iru no o miru to, nagusamezu ni wa irarenai.

  • This novel is so interesting that I can’t help but read it.

    Kono shousetsu wa omoshiroi no de, yomazu ni wa irarenai.

  • When he’s faced with delicious food, he can’t help but eat it.

    Kare wa oishii ryouri o mae ni suru to, tabezu ni wa irarenai.

Can't Help But (Overwhelming Feeling)