JLPT N1 grammar

〜ずにはおかない/ないではおかない: meaning and usage

Meaning

Will definitely A; A will absolutely occur; bound to A

How to form it

  • verb (nai-form without ない)ずにはおかない
  • verb (nai-form)ではおかない
  • する → せずにはおかない

How it is used

① The speaker's firm resolve to make A happen, sometimes as a punishment. ② With causatives and similar verbs, A is bound to happen: 「人を感動させずにはおかない」. Written. 「ずにはいられない」 means one can't help doing it.

Examples

  1. あの野郎、次会ったら説教しないではおかないぞ。

    That bastard—next time I see him, I'm definitely going to give him a lecture.

  2. 彼女の演奏は、聞く人の心を動かさずにはおかない。

    Her playing cannot fail to move the hearts of those who hear it.

  3. この計画は、どんなことがあっても成功させずにはおかない。

    Whatever happens, I will see this plan succeed.