【JLPT N2 Grammar】〜ざるを得ない（〜ざるをえない / ~zaruwoenai）

2020年4月8日 2024年9月12日

Explanation：〜ざるを得ない

Meaning
”～しなければならない / どうしても〜する必要ひつようがある。"
"I don't want to do it but must be done / cannot avoid to do something "
Used to express that someone is forced or obliged to do something, even though they may not want to. It conveys a sense of inevitability or lack of choice in the matter.

Form
V（nai form）ない + ざるを得ない
※する：せざるを得ない

Points

Obligation: It indicates that there is no other option but to do something.
Negative Connotation: Often used when the speaker is reluctant or unhappy about having to perform the action.
Formal Expression: This is a more formal expression often found in written language or polite conversation.

JLPT Level
N2

Sample sentenes

猫ねこを飼かいたいが、マンションではペット禁止きんしなのであきらめざるを得えない。
I want to keep a cat, but since pets are not allowed in my apartment, I have to give up.

雨あめがひどいため、今日きょうの試合しあいは中止ちゅうしせざるを得えない。
The game today had to be canceled due to the heavy rain.

今日きょうは残業ざんぎょうすることになったので、飲のみ会かいの予定よていは断ことわざるを得えない。
I have to work overtime today, so I have to cancel my plans for the drinking party.

今日きょうは土曜日どようびだが仕事しごとのトラブルがあったため、仕事しごとをせざるを得えない。
Although today is Saturday, due to a work problem, I have to work.

田中先生たなかせんせいが風邪かぜで休やすみなので、私わたしが代かわりに教おしえざるを得えない。
Since teacher Tanaka is off with a cold, I have to teach in his place.

こんなにひどい天気てんきでは、外出がいしゅつをあきらめざるを得えない。
In such terrible weather, I have no choice but to give up going out.

Vocabulary

Japanese		English
断る	ことわる	to refuse / to decline