JLPT N1 grammar

〜ないでいるmeaning and usage

Meaning

To continue (a state/situation) without doing A

How to form it

  • verb (nai-form)でいる
  • verb (nai-form without ない)ずにいる（する → せずにいる）

How it is used

Staying in a state of not doing A, often because one can't bring oneself to, or for a while by choice. 「〜ずにいる」 is more written. 「〜ないでおく」 instead stresses leaving A undone on purpose.

Examples

  1. あの先生は怖いのでまだ授業を受けずにいる。

    That teacher is scary so I haven't yet taken their class.

  2. 友達とけんかして、まだ謝れないでいる。

    I had a fight with my friend and still haven't managed to apologise.

  3. エアコンをつけないでいたら、部屋がかなり暑くなった。

    I went without the air conditioning, and the room got quite hot.