ざるを得ない (zaruwo nai)

Meaning & usage

ざるを得ない expresses having no choice but to do something because circumstances force it, even if unwilling. It attaches to the nai-stem of verbs, as in 行かざるを得ない and せざるを得ない, with しない becoming せざるを得ない. It is formal and written in tone, and it describes a deliberate decision made out of necessity rather than an uncontrollable feeling or involuntary reaction.

Example sentences 4

1. そう考かんがえざるを得えない。

   I can not but think so.

2. 私たちは行かざるを得ない。

   We have no choice but to go.

3. 私達は生活費を切り詰めざるを得ない。

   We cannot avoid cutting down our living expenses.

4. 自分のせいだと認めざるを得ない。

   I must admit it was my fault.