ないではおかない / ずにはおかない

JLPT N1approx.Written
Meaning
  1. 1Will definitely do something; expresses a strong determination not to let a matter pass.Ex. 1
  2. 2Something inevitably causes a feeling or reaction in people, typically used with a causative verb.Ex. 3
Examples
1
彼かれの無謀むぼうな行動こうどうには、注意ちゅういせずにはおかない。
I will not fail to warn him about his reckless behavior.
2
I will get to the bottom of what really happened in this case, no matter what.
3
彼女かのじょの歌声うたごえは、聴きく人ひとを感動かんどうさせずにはおかない。
Her singing never fails to move those who hear it.
Formation
+ずにはおかないsuru verb: せずにはおかない; kuru verb: こずにはおかない
+ではおかない
Verb (causative form) (minus る)+ずにはおかないin the "inevitably causes" sense, e.g. 感動させずにはおかない
Usage

A formal, written-style pattern found in essays, reviews, and narration. It conveys either resolute intent or the unavoidable effect of something on people. Unlike patterns expressing obligation or reluctant necessity, it stresses inevitability or determination.

Watch out

Learners often forget to use a causative verb when the subject is a thing that provokes feelings in others.

Do not attach the pattern to the full ない形; say 行かずにはおかない, not 行かないずにはおかない.

Easily confused with
  • 1.
    ないではすまない / ずにはすまないN1「ずにはすまない」means that by common sense or circumstances one could not get away with not doing something — an obligation imposed from outside. It does not express the speaker's resolve, nor the sense of 'is sure to make someone...', so it cannot be swapped with 「ずにはおかない」.
  • 2.
    ずにはいられないN3「ずにはいられない」means one cannot hold back and inevitably does something; the subject is usually the speaker, and the register is neutral. 「ずにはおかない」 lacks this meaning.
  • 3.
    〜ないわけにはいかないN1「ないわけにはいかない」means one 'cannot help but do' something out of social obligation or circumstances, with a sense of reluctance, in a neutral register. When 「ずにはおかない」 expresses volition it is a written-style, active expression of resolve, and it also has the meaning 'is sure to make someone...'; the two should not be interchanged.
  • 4.
    ざるを得ないN2「ざるを得ない」means one is forced by circumstances to do something, often with a sense of reluctance. 「ずにはおかない」 expresses strong resolve or an inevitable reaction; neither involves being forced, so they cannot be interchanged. Both are literary in tone.
  • 5.
    てやまないN3「てやまない」attaches to the て-form and expresses a deeply held, continuing feeling or wish, as in 「願ってやまない」. It does not express resolve or an inevitable effect on others, so it cannot be interchanged.

ないではすまない and ないわけにはいかない express obligation imposed by circumstances or social norms, and ざるを得ない expresses reluctant necessity, whereas ずにはおかない expresses firm resolve or an inevitable effect. ずにはいられない describes an involuntary personal urge, and てやまない describes a lasting heartfelt wish or feeling.

Grammar · JLPT grammar levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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