JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ないではおかない (nai de wa okanai)

〜ないではおかない (nai de wa okanai)
“Will definitely; cannot help but; will not fail to”

This expression is used to describe a situation where a result will naturally or inevitably occur, or to express the speaker's strong determination that they will definitely do something or ensure a certain outcome happens.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary. It is often found in written texts, novels, or formal speeches.
  • Context: Used in contexts involving strong emotions, social justice, or inevitable natural consequences. In a business context, it might appear in a formal speech regarding a commitment to resolve an issue or the inevitable impact of a market trend.
  • Nuance: It carries a sense of "not leaving things as they are." When used with a third person/thing as the subject, it implies that a certain cause will inevitably lead to a powerful reaction or result. When the speaker is the subject, it expresses a fierce, almost unstoppable resolve. It often follows verbs of emotion (e.g., move, impress) or verbs of action (e.g., punish, clarify).

Format

  • Verb (Nai-form) + ではおかない
    Note: The "nai" is part of the grammar, so you use the stem of the negative form.
    この不祥事は、真相を究明しないではおかない。 We will definitely investigate the truth behind this scandal.
    彼女の迫真の演技は、見る者を感動させないではおかない。 Her realistic acting will not fail to move anyone who sees it.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    This legal amendment will definitely have a significant impact on the industry.
  • 、、。
    As a manager, I am prepared to definitely protest against any unfair evaluations.
  • 、。
    His tenacity will likely ensure that he ultimately achieves his goal.
  • 、。
    If we continue to destroy nature, humanity will definitely face a backlash someday.
  • 、。
    That sharp critique had the power to definitely silence the opponent.
  • 、。
    Since you broke the promise, I will not fail to make you face the appropriate consequences.
  • 、。
    The innovative design of the new product will definitely surprise consumers.
  • 、。
    Even if one tries to hide the facts, they are bound to be discovered eventually.
  • 、。
    I will succeed in this project and will definitely convince those around me.
  • 、。
    The sudden change in the market will definitely force us to revise our strategy.

Similar Grammar

〜ずにはおかない (zu ni wa okanai)

“Will definitely; cannot help but”
彼を必ず後悔させずにはおかない。 I will definitely make him regret it.

Difference:

  • Identical in meaning and formality to 〜ないではおかない.
  • 〜ずにはおかない is simply the more literary version using the classical negative "zu".

〜ないではいられない (nai de wa irarenai)

“Cannot help but... (emotionally/physically)”
彼の話を聞いて、笑わないではいられなかった。 I couldn't help but laugh after hearing his story.

Difference:

  • This focuses on a spontaneous, internal urge that the speaker cannot control.
  • 〜ないではおかない focuses on an external result or a firm resolution to do something.

〜ざるを得ない (zaru o enai)

“Have no choice but to...”
コスト削減のため、人員を整理せざるを得ない。 We have no choice but to reduce staff to cut costs.

Difference:

  • This implies doing something reluctantly because there are no other options.
  • 〜ないではおかない is much more proactive and forceful.

〜てはやまない (te wa yamanai)

“Never stop ~ing; sincerely hope/wish”
皆さんのご多幸を願ってやみません。 I sincerely wish for everyone’s happiness.

Difference:

  • Used for long-lasting, deep feelings (usually positive like wishing or hoping).

〜を禁じ得ない (o kinji enai)

“Cannot help but feel; cannot suppress (an emotion)”
彼の無責任な態度に、怒りを禁じ得ない。 I cannot help but feel anger at his irresponsible attitude.

Difference:

  • Used specifically with nouns representing emotions (anger, sympathy, etc.) in very formal writing.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. のは、のを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. のなには、を（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. した、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. のに、を（　　　）状況だ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. を（　　　）は、のが。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. 深くをたは、を（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. のは、のを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. のは、にを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. を（　　　）、のに。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. のなは、のを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. なには、なを（　　　）つもりだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. のはを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. をには、を（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. へのを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. のは、のを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Continue Your Journey to Native-Level Fluency

Great work finishing this session! Achieving N1-level precision is about layering these subtle distinctions until they become second nature in your professional life.

To maintain your momentum and eliminate any remaining blind spots, head back to our JLPT N1 Grammar List. Use it to systematically check off each point and refine your ability to navigate complex Japanese environments with the confidence of a native speaker.

JLPT N1 Grammar List

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