cannot help but, cannot stop oneself from

Intermediate

20-25 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses uncontrollable urge or emotion.

[Verb ない form without ない] + ずにはいられない

その映画を見て、泣かずにはいられなかった。

Sono eiga wo mite, nakazu ni wa irarenakatta.

I couldn't help but cry when I watched that movie.

彼の冗談を聞いて、笑わずにはいられない。

Kare no joudan wo kiite, warawazu ni wa irarenai.

I can't help but laugh when I hear his jokes.

する becomes せずには (not しずには).

～ないではいられない

cannot help but, cannot stop oneself from

～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)

Practice with emotional contexts.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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