JLPT N1 Grammar

〜ないではすまない (nai de wa sumanai)

〜ないではすまない (nai de wa sumanai)

“Must; cannot avoid doing; will inevitably have to...”

This expression is used to express that, given the social circumstances, moral obligations, or the seriousness of a situation, one cannot finish or resolve a matter without taking a specific action. It implies that simply doing nothing is not an acceptable or possible outcome.

  • Formality: Formal to Neutral. It is frequently used in professional settings, social commentary, and formal writing.
  • Context: Most common in business (handling errors, responsibilities), legal or ethical discussions, and formal interpersonal situations. It is used when there is external or internal pressure to "make things right" or follow through on a necessary action.
  • Nuance: It carries a sense of inevitability and social pressure. Unlike a simple "must" (なければならない), this grammar emphasizes that the situation will not be settled or the problem will remain unless the action is taken. It often conveys the speaker's sense of duty or the gravity of an objective necessity.

Format

  • Verb (Nai-form) + ではすまない
    Note: The "nai" is part of the grammar, so you use the stem + ない.

    損害を与えたからには、賠償金を払わないではすまない。 Since damage was caused, we cannot avoid paying compensation.
  • Suru: する → しないではすまない (or ぜずにはすまない)
    これほど大きなミスをしたのなら、始末書を提出しないではすまない。 If you made such a big mistake, you will inevitably have to submit a written apology.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    Now that a heavy loss has been incurred, the management cannot avoid taking responsibility.
  • 、。
    Since we inconvenienced the client, we will inevitably have to go there in person and apologize.
  • 、。
    With this much evidence gathered, it will be impossible not to admit the facts.
  • 、。
    In the event of violating internal regulations, receiving some form of disciplinary action is unavoidable.
  • 、。
    The project is significantly delayed, and we are in a situation where we cannot avoid adding more personnel.
  • 、。
    Since public funds were embezzled, it is inevitable that legal action will be taken.
  • 、。
    Since complaints are coming from local residents, we cannot avoid shortening the construction hours.
  • 、。
    Given his talent, it is inevitable that he will take on an important post in the future.
  • 、。
    Borrowed money is something that you eventually cannot avoid paying back.
  • 、。
    Since this has caused such a public stir, holding a press conference is unavoidable.

Similar Grammar

〜ずにはすまない (zu ni wa sumanai)

“Cannot help but; must”
感情的になり、彼を責めずにはすまなかった。 I couldn't help but blame him in the heat of the moment.

Difference:

  • Identical in meaning to 〜ないではすまない, but slightly more literary and old-fashioned.
  • They are interchangeable in most formal contexts.

〜ざるを得ない (zaru o enai)

“Have no choice but to; cannot help but”
予算不足のため、計画を中止せざるを得ない。 Due to a lack of budget, we have no choice but to cancel the plan.

Difference:

  • Focuses on the lack of other options. 〜ないではすまない focuses on the fact that the situation won't be settled or forgiven until the action is done.

〜ないわけにはいかない (nai wake ni wa ikanai)

“Must (due to social pressure or common sense)”
上司の誘いなので、行かないわけにはいかない。 Since it's an invitation from my boss, I have to go.

Difference:

  • Used for psychological or social pressure in a slightly less "heavy" or "legalistic" way than 〜ないではすまない.
  • It often describes personal obligations.

〜ずにはいられない (zu ni wa irarenai)

“Cannot help but...; cannot resist doing...”
その光景を見て、泣かずにはいられなかった。 Seeing that sight, I couldn't help but cry.

Difference:

  • Used for internal feelings and spontaneous urges that cannot be suppressed, rather than external/social necessities.

〜てはすまない (te wa sumanai)

“It is not enough to just...; cannot be settled by merely...”
「ごめん」と言ってすむ問題ではない。 This is not a problem that can be settled by just saying "sorry."

Difference:

  • This is the positive/affirmative counterpart.
  • It states that a specific action (like an apology) is insufficient to resolve the matter.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. を以上、なを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. ながになったからには、（　　　）だろう。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. をさせたのだから、を（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. がしたには、を（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. をため、のを（　　　）に至った。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. ほどのなら、このを（　　　）はずだ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. のにより、のを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. のとあれば、どんなにでも（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. として、のを（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. のがいるのだから、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. のををなら、を（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. がしたからには、ので（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. のにしたとあれば、に（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. をしたのだから、を（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. のがからには、を（　　　）だろう。
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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