JLPT N1 grammar

〜てもやむを得ないmeaning and usage

Meaning

Shows a natural consequence/result A that cannot be helped/avoided

How to form it

  • verb (te-form)もやむを得ない
  • い-adjective (-く form)てもやむを得ない
  • noun/な-adjective (stem)でもやむを得ない

How it is used

Given the situation, an unwelcome outcome A can't be helped and has to be accepted. Formal in tone. 「〜ざるを得ない」 instead means 'have no choice but to do'.

Examples

  1. 明日は大雨の予報なので、花火大会が中止になってもやむを得ないでしょう。

    Heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow, so it can't be helped if the fireworks display is cancelled.

  2. この値段なら、多少品質が落ちてもやむを得ない。

    At this price, a slight drop in quality cannot be helped.

  3. 規則を守らなかったのだから、注意されてもやむを得ないね。

    You didn't follow the rules, so you can't complain about getting a warning.