JLPT N1 grammar

〜ずには済まない／ないでは済まないmeaning and usage

Meaning

A must be done (it won't suffice if A isn't done).

How to form it

  • verb (nai-form without ない)ずには済まない
  • verb (nai-form)では済まない
  • する → せずには済まない

How it is used

Given the situation, social norms or one's conscience, A (an apology, compensation and so on) cannot be avoided. Formal in tone. The opposite, 「〜ずに済む」, means one can get by without A.

Examples

  1. 今日は重要な会議なんだ。 間に合わないではすまないぞ。

    We've got an important meeting today. I absolutely must be on time.

  2. 人の物を壊したのだから、弁償せずには済まないだろう。

    You broke someone else's property, so you can hardly avoid paying for it.

  3. こんなに迷惑をかけたのだから、直接謝りに行かないでは済まない。

    After causing this much trouble, I can't get away without going to apologise in person.