Learning objectives
- Lesson goals: "Cannot help doing" — emotionally irresistible.
- Form and connection: [Verb nai-form without い] ずにはいられない
- Nuance in real use: ずにはいられない admits the uncontrollability of human emotion—some feelings are too strong to feign indifference.
Form and connection
Core Explanation
"Cannot help doing" — emotionally irresistible.
Cultural Note
Practical examples
Common pitfalls
Build the base form before adding the pattern
Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.
Match politeness to the situation
The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.
Practice and answers
Show answer
[Verb nai-form without い] ずにはいられないShow answer
I couldn't help but cry.Show answer
その映画えいがを見みて感動かんどうせずにはいられなかった。 ([Verb nai-form without い] ずにはいられない)Continue learning
Ni Wa Oyobanai: Need Not
"There is no need to" or humbly "it doesn't warrant." This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.
Wo Kinjienai: Cannot Suppress
"Cannot suppress a feeling"—formal/written. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.
Complete Guide to the Ta-form: Past Events, Conditions, and Experience
Master the ta-form of Japanese verbs and adjectives, then learn how it supports experience, representative actions, conditions, advice, and the feeling that something has just happened.