JLPT N2 reference · Evidentiality and judgment
ざるを得ない
It means that circumstances leave no reasonable choice except to act.
Core meaning and form
Attach ざるを得ない to the ない-stem; する becomes せざるを得ない. The pattern is formal and foregrounds reluctant necessity rather than ordinary obligation.
- Form: Attach ざるを得ない to the ない-stem; する becomes せざるを得ない.
- Core use: It means that circumstances leave no reasonable choice except to act.
- Context: The pattern is formal and foregrounds reluctant necessity rather than ordinary obligation.
Examples in context
計画を変更せざるを得ない。Keikaku o henkō sezaru o enai.We have no choice but to change the plan.
雨で試合を中止せざるを得なかった。Ame de shiai o chūshi sezaru o enakatta.We had to cancel the match because of rain.
事実を認めざるを得ません。Jijitsu o mitomezaru o emasen.We cannot avoid acknowledging the facts.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Attach ざるを得ない to the ない-stem; する becomes せざるを得ない.
- It means that circumstances leave no reasonable choice except to act.
- The pattern is formal and foregrounds reluctant necessity rather than ordinary obligation.