cannot help but, will definitely

Advanced

25-30 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates that something will inevitably happen or be done.

[Verb ない form without ない] + ずにはおかない

この映画は見る者を感動させずにはおかない。

Kono eiga wa miru mono wo kandou sasezu ni wa okanai.

This movie cannot help but move those who watch it.

彼の演技は観客を驚かせずにはおかない。

Kare no engi wa kankyaku wo odorokasezu ni wa okanai.

His performance will definitely surprise the audience.

Emphasizes inevitable result or strong effect.

～なくして(は)

without, unless

～ならいざ知らず

~ might be one thing, but; leaving ~ aside

～てやまない

earnestly wish/hope, never stop ~ing

～をものともせずに

not being daunted by ~, in spite of ~

～んがため(に)

in order to ~, for the purpose of ~ (formal/literary)

Used for inevitable strong effects.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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