JLPT N1 Grammar

〜を禁じえない (o kinji enai)

〜を禁じえない (o kinji-enai)
“Cannot help but; unable to suppress; cannot resist (an emotion)”

This expression is used when a speaker is overcome by a specific, powerful emotion that they cannot control or hold back. It typically follows a noun representing a strong feeling or reaction to a situation.

  • Formality: Highly formal and literary.
  • Context: Primarily used in written Japanese, such as formal essays, news editorials, literary works, or highly formal speeches. It is rarely used in daily conversation unless the speaker is being intentionally dramatic or giving a very stiff, formal address (e.g., a press conference or a eulogy).
  • Nuance: It suggests that the emotion arises spontaneously and is so strong that the person's will or self-control is powerless against it. It is almost exclusively used with "heavy" emotions like anger, sympathy, surprise, or indignation. It is not used for physical actions (like "cannot help but eat")—only for internal emotional states.

Format

  • Noun + を禁じえない
    彼の無責任な発言に、怒りを禁じえない。 I cannot help but feel anger at his irresponsible remarks.

Example sentences

  • 、。
    I cannot help but feel deep sympathy at the news of the tragic accident.
  • 、。
    The citizens cannot suppress their indignation at the government's inappropriate response.
  • 、。
    One cannot help but feel a sense of profound sorrow at the passing of such a talented young painter.
  • 、。
    I cannot help but be amazed by the progress of the latest technology.
  • 。
    I cannot help but feel deep gratitude toward my wife, who has been by my side for many years.
  • 、。
    I cannot help but feel doubt regarding that absurd verdict.
  • 、。
    Seeing my hometown turned into ruins, I cannot suppress my tears.
  • 、。
    I cannot help but feel admiration for his original ideas.
  • 、。
    Remembering past mistakes, I cannot help but feel regret.
  • 、。
    I cannot help but let out a scornful laugh at such an incredibly selfish claim.

Similar Grammar

〜ずにはいられない (zu ni wa irarenai)

“Cannot help but (do); cannot stop oneself from doing”
あの子のあまりの可愛さに、微笑まずにはいられない。 She is so cute that I cannot help but smile.

Difference:

  • Used for physical actions or spontaneous reactions (smiling, crying, eating).
  • Neutral to formal, used in both speech and writing. 〜を禁じえない is strictly for internal emotions and is much more formal.

〜ざるを得ない (zaru o enai)

“Have no choice but to...; cannot help but (do)”
これほど証拠が揃っていては、彼の犯行を認めざるを得ない。 With all this evidence, we have no choice but to admit his crime.

Difference:

  • Indicates a logical necessity where one is forced to do something against their will.
  • Used for decisions or conclusions, whereas 〜を禁じえない is for uncontrollable feelings.

〜に堪えない (ni taenai)

“Cannot bear; is filled with (an emotion)”
皆様の多大なるご支援に対し、感謝に堪えません。 I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone’s immense support. Difference:

Difference:

  • While both are formal, 〜に堪えない often expresses a positive "overflow" of feeling (gratitude, joy) or a feeling so strong it's hard to bear.
  • 〜を禁じえない often implies a reaction to an external event that "triggers" an emotion like anger or surprise.

〜てならない (te naranai)

“So... that I can't help it; extremely”
プロジェクトの結果が気になってならない。 I am so worried about the project results that I can't help it. Difference:

Difference:

  • Used for spontaneous feelings (worried, lonely, itchy) that the speaker feels naturally.
  • It is less "heavy" and less literary than the grave tone of 〜を禁じえない.

〜を禁じない (o kinjinai)

“Do not forbid/prohibit”
本校では、放課後の図書室の利用を禁じない。 The school does not forbid the use of the library after school. Difference:

Difference:

  • This is the literal use of the verb "to forbid."
  • It is a matter of rules and permissions, not emotional self-control.

JLPT Practice Questions

Now let’s test your understanding.

Q1. のなに、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q2. はのをべく、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q3. のをにし、がの（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q4. をにするなど、として（　　　）だ。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q5. のなをにして、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q6. のがにと、な（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q7. のなには、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q8. のは、をことによる（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q9. からのに、の（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q10. がにというに、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q11. のは、に（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q12. がしたというに、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q13. のがことは、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q14. をしようとするのに、（　　　）。
A.
B.
C.
D.

Q15. のは、に（　　　）。
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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