ざるを得ない (zaruwo nai)

Meaning & usage

ざるを得ない expresses that someone is compelled to do something, having no real alternative. It attaches to the negative form of a verb with ない dropped, so する becomes せざるを得ない. The tone is formal and often written, conveying reluctance or necessity imposed by circumstances.

Example sentences 8

1. 早晩そうばん私わたしたちはその問題もんだいに本気ほんきで取組とりくまざるを得えないだろう。

   Sooner or later, we'll have to tackle the problem in earnest.

2. 農家の人々は温室で作物を育てざるを得ないのです。

   The farmers are forced to produce the crops in the greenhouse.

3. その件に関しては、わたしは彼の意見に反対せざるを得ない。

   I cannot but object to his opinion as to the matter.

4. 彼らは彼のわずかな収入で暮らさざるを得ない。

   They have to live on his small income.

5. 私は兄を死んだものとあきらめざるを得ない。

   I cannot but give up my brother for lost.

6. もし私たちが平和な生活を求めるなら、戦争に反対せざるを得ない。

   If we want a peaceful life, we cannot help objecting to war.

7. それゆえここにとどまらざるを得ないだろう。

   Hence, I shall have to stay here.

8. 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.