Skip to main content
JLPT N2Grammar
~ざるを得ない

cannot help but ~, have no choice but to ~

Advanced
20-30 min
common
Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses that there is no alternative, must do something unwillingly.

Formation

[Verb negative stem ず] + るを得ない

Examples

状況を考えると、断らざるを得ない。

Joukyou wo kangaeru to, kotowara zaru wo enai.

Considering the situation, I have no choice but to refuse.

そう言わざるを得ません。

Sou iwa zaru wo emasen.

I cannot help but say so.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Formal expression. する becomes せざるを得ない.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated:

Master JLPT N2 Grammar

Study with our comprehensive grammar guides and practice materials.