を禁じ得ない (wo ji nai)

Meaning & usage

を禁じ得ない means one cannot suppress an emotion or physical reaction that rises up, such as tears, anger, or a sigh. It attaches to a noun (usually an emotion word) with the particle を, as in 涙を禁じ得ない, or to a verb in plain form before の, as in ため息が出るのを禁じ得ない. The tone is formal and written-style.

Example sentences 4

1. 被災地ひさいちの写真しゃしんを見みて、涙なみだを禁きんじ得えなかった。

   Looking at the photos of the disaster area, I could not hold back my tears.

2. 彼の身勝手な言い訳に、怒りを禁じ得ない。

   I cannot help feeling anger at his selfish excuse.

3. 十年ぶりの再会に、感動を禁じ得なかった。

   I could not contain my emotion at our reunion after ten years.

4. その計画の無謀さに、ため息が出るのを禁じ得ない。

   I cannot help sighing at how reckless that plan is.