cannot help but, cannot resist

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates irresistible urge or emotion.

[Verb ない form] + ではいられない

その映画を見て、泣かないではいられなかった。

Sono eiga wo mite, nakanai dewa irarenakatta.

Watching that movie, I could not help but cry.

彼の話を聞くと、笑わないではいられない。

Kare no hanashi wo kiku to, warawanai dewa irarenai.

When I hear his stories, I cannot help but laugh.

Emphasizes emotional/instinctive response.

～ざるを得ない

cannot help but, have no choice but to

～に違いない

must be ~, no doubt that ~, undoubtedly

～に関して/関する

regarding ~, concerning ~, about ~

～について/つい

about ~, concerning ~

～に伴って/伴い/伴う

along with ~, as ~ (changes)

Used for emotional reactions.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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