〜ずにはすまない (zu ni wa sumanai)

〜ずにはすまない (zu ni wa sumanai)
“Cannot help but...; cannot avoid...; must (socially/morally)...”

This expression is used to indicate that, given the circumstances or social expectations, one cannot avoid doing something, or is morally/socially compelled to take a certain action. It often implies that if the action is not taken, the situation will not be resolved, or the speaker's conscience/social standing will suffer.

• Formality: Formal.
• Context: Used in both written and spoken Japanese, but primarily in serious or formal contexts. It is common in business apologies, literary descriptions of strong emotions, or discussions regarding legal/social responsibilities.
• Nuance: It carries a sense of inevitability or strong internal/external pressure. Unlike a simple "must" ($しなければならない$), this expression emphasizes that the current state of affairs will not settle or conclude ($済まない$) unless the action is performed. When used with verbs of emotion (e.g., "to cry"), it suggests the feeling is so strong it cannot be suppressed.

Format

• Verb (Nai-form) + ずにはすまない
  これほど多大な迷惑をかけた以上、謝罪せずにはすまない。 Since I caused this much trouble, I cannot avoid making an apology.
  彼の身の上話を聞いて、誰もが涙を流さずにはすまないだろう。 Hearing his life story, anyone would likely be unable to help but shed a tear.

(Note: For "suru" verbs, use せずにはすまない)

Example sentences

• 多額の損失を出したからには、経営責任を問われずにはすまない。
  Now that a massive loss has been incurred, they cannot avoid being held accountable for management's responsibility.
• 競合他社が値下げを断行した以上、我々も追随せずにはすまない。
  Since our competitors have carried out price cuts, we cannot avoid following suit.
• 公金を横領した事実が判明すれば、罷免されずにはすまないだろう。
  If the fact that they embezzled public funds comes to light, they will likely not escape dismissal.
• あれほど熱心に誘われたら、一度は顔を出さずにはすまない。
  If I'm invited that enthusiastically, I'll have to show my face at least once.
• 今回の不祥事は、法的措置を取らずにはすまない事態だ。
  This scandal is a situation where legal action must be taken.
• 納期がこれほど迫っている以上、休日出勤せずにはすまない。
  Since the deadline is approaching this closely, I cannot avoid working on the weekend.
• 彼の無礼な態度には、一言苦言を呈さずにはすまない。
  I cannot help but offer a word of complaint regarding his rude attitude.
• 情報漏洩の疑いがある限り、徹底的な調査を行わずにはすまない。
  As long as there is suspicion of an information leak, we cannot avoid conducting a thorough investigation.
• これだけ証拠が揃ってしまえば、罪を認めずにはすまない。
  Once the evidence has been gathered to this extent, one cannot avoid admitting the crime.
• 長年お世話になった恩師の葬儀には、万障繰り合わせて参列せずにはすまない。
  I must manage to attend the funeral of my former teacher to whom I have been indebted for many years, regardless of any obstacles.

Similar Grammar

JLPT Practice Questions

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