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.
  3. 3In the older variant ずにはおかれない, means 'cannot help doing', close to ずにはいられない.Ex. 2
Formation
動詞ない形 with ない removed+ないではおかない行かないではおかない
動詞ない形 with ない removed+ずにはおかない行かずにはおかない
する→しないではおかないせずにはおかない注意せずにはおかない
Causative動詞使役形's ない形 with ない removed+ずにはおかない for the 'inevitably causes' sense感動させずにはおかない
Variant動詞ない形 with ない removed+ずにはおかれない涙せずにはおかれなかった
Examples
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.
この惨状さんじょうを前まえに、涙なみだせずにはおかれなかった。
Faced with this devastation, I could not hold back my tears.
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.

Note that ずにはおかれない in example 2 means 'could not help doing', not a statement of resolve.

Easily confused with
  • 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」.
  • 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. The base form 「ずにはおかない」 lacks this meaning; only the variant 「ずにはおかれない」 is close to it, and that variant is more literary.
  • 〜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.
  • 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, and 「ずにはおかれない」 expresses being unable to hold back — none of these involves being forced, so they cannot be interchanged. All three are literary in tone.
  • 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, and it differs from the momentary loss of self-control of 「ずにはおかれない」, 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).

Say it right, write it right

Core lookup works fully offline, with cloud pronunciation and one-tap save & review. Free, no sign-up.

Free downloadWindowsFree downloadmacOSDownload on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
MobileiOS / Android

Android

QR code for the Google Play pageGet it on Google Play

Scan it with your Android phone to install, or search for “Tomoshi” on Google Play.

iOS

QR code for the App Store pageDownload on the App Store

Scan it with your iPhone camera to install, or search for “Tomoshi” in the App Store.

Install the browser extensionLook words up on any web page · Chrome / Edge / Safari

Screenshot of a Tomoshi lookup resultScreenshot of Tomoshi lookup results on a phone

Windows macOS Chrome / Edge / Safari extension iOS / Android