ざるを得えない (zaru o enai) Meaning Japanese Grammar - Have To
Anna Baffa Volpe
Get in touch with me5 min reading time
Anna Baffa Volpe
5 min reading time
The expression ざるを得ない (zaru o enai) means can't help doing, have no choice but and is related to the concept and verb have to.
The translations into various languages have different nuances; let's see together in this post how the expression ざるを得ない is formed and how it is used in the Japanese language with practical examples used in real life.
How ざるを得ない is formed
The structure consists of 3 parts:
- ざる is an ancient expression indicating the negation and is preceded by the Negative Base of the Verb or Base in あ
- the particle を indicating the object in the sentence
- the negative plain form 得ない of the verb 得る
gain,acquire
We have a double negation ざる and ない generating an affirmation ⇨ I must do that certain thing, I do that thing.
⇨ cannot help but eat, have to eat, have no choice but to eat
⇨ cannot help but drink
ざるを得ない with the Verbs する and 来る
「する」、「来る」は例外で「せざるを得ない」、「来ざるを得ない」となります。 The verbs する and 来る are exceptions and become せざるを得ない and 来ざるを得ない.
その件に関しては、私は彼の意見に反対せざるを得ない。
I have to disagree with him on that issue.
今週は忙しいので毎日残業せざるを得ない。
I am so busy this week that I have to work overtime every day.
How and when to use ざるを得ない
The structure ざるを得ない is used in circumstances in which it is inevitable to perform the action, the person must do that thing having no other choice and no other solution.
The subject is often reluctant to perform the action, but the situation demands it and it cannot be done otherwise.
The meaning is ～しなければならない I must do and どうしても〜する必要がある I really need to do.
他に誰もやる人がいないのであれば、私がやらざるを得ない。
If there is no one else to do it, then I have to do it.
したくないけどそうせざるを得ない: I don't want to do, but I have to.
指示に従わざるを得ない。
We have no choice but to follow the instructions.
Expressions similar to ざるを得ない
There are other expressions with a different structure that translate the concept of can't help doing, can't stop myself from doing, can't help but and are:
- ～ないではいられない
あの服を買わないではいられなかった。
I couldn't resist buying those clothes.
- ～ずにはいられない
笑わずにはいられなかった。
I couldn't help but laugh.
この本は図書館から借りたので、返さないわけにはいかない。
I borrowed this book from the library, so I can't help but return it.
Examples of ざるを得ない
プロバイオティクスは必要でしょうか、抗生物質を飲まざるを得ないなら?
Would probiotics be necessary, if I have to take antibiotics?
急な出張が入はいったため、今夜の新人歓迎会は断らざるを得えない
Due to a sudden business trip, I have no choice but to decline tonight's welcome party for new employees.
彼らはわずかな収入で暮らさざるを得ない。
They are forced to live on a meager income.
人は運命を甘受せざるを得ない。
People have to accept their fate.
Similar grammar points in Japanese 📚