JLPT N1
ずにはおかない
Can't help but / Will inevitably
Structure
Verb ない-stem ずにはおかない
How it works
This grammar point expresses that someone will definitely do something or that an event will inevitably cause a certain result. It often suggests a strong sense of determination from the speaker or a natural, powerful consequence of an action. It is a formal, literary expression close to 'zettai ni ... suru', and is distinct from 'zuni wa irarenai'.
Examples
彼女の魂のこもった演奏は、聴衆を感動させずにはおかない。
Her soulful performance will inevitably move the audience.
犯した罪は、いつか本人を苦しめずにはおかないだろう。
The crimes committed will likely torment the person themselves one day.
この映画のラストシーンは、見る者を泣かせずにはおかないだろう。
The last scene of this movie will no doubt make anyone who watches it cry.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse this with 'zuni wa irarenai' (cannot help but feel/do), which focuses on the subject's internal impulse. 'Zuni wa okanai' is more about an external force or situation that guarantees a result.
Tip
This structure is almost always used with causative verbs (seru/saseru) such as 'kandousaseru' (to make someone moved) or 'nakaseru' (to make someone cry) to show the effect on an audience.
More JLPT N1 grammar
See ずにはおかない in real Japanese
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