〜ずにすまない・〜ないではすまない

Cannot escape without doing...; Must do...; Cannot get away without...

1. Overview

「〜ずにすまない」 and 「〜ないではすまない」 are used to express that a certain action or consequence is inevitable or cannot be avoided. It conveys that something must be done or that a situation cannot be resolved without taking a certain step. This structure often carries a sense of obligation or necessity.

2. Structure

1. Verb (ない-form) + ではすまない
   Used to indicate that not doing something (or doing something insufficient) will lead to a problem or negative consequence.

2. Verb (ない-form) + ずにすまない
   Similar to the previous structure, it conveys that the action must be done, or the situation cannot be resolved without doing it.

3. Usage Explanation

• Expressing necessity or obligation:
  These structures emphasize that the action must be done, and there is no way to get out of it. It suggests a sense of responsibility or duty.

• Indicating an unavoidable consequence:
  The expression implies that failure to take a particular action will lead to an undesirable or unavoidable situation.

• English translation:
  These can be translated as "cannot escape without doing...", "must do...", or "cannot get away without..."

4. Example Sentences

1. 約束を守らずにすまない。
   I must keep my promise. I cannot escape without doing so.

2. 謝罪しないではすまない状況だ。
   It's a situation where I must apologize, and there's no way around it.

3. こんな大事なことを放置しておくわけにはいかない。やらずにすまない。
   I can't leave something so important unattended. I must take action.

4. 法律を守らないではすまない。
   I must obey the law. There's no way around it.

5. 無責任な行動は許されない。何か手を打たないではすまない。
   Irresponsible behavior is unacceptable. I must take action.

5. Key Points

• Sense of obligation:
  These structures strongly indicate that something is not optional, and there are consequences for failing to act.

• Formal tone:
  These expressions are often used in formal situations or in serious contexts where there is no room for negligence.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜ないわけにはいかない: Used to express that something must be done due to moral or social reasons.
  • Example: 仕事を休むわけにはいかない。
    I cannot afford to take a day off from work.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜なくてはならない: Indicates that something must be done; used for necessity or requirement.
  • Example: 明日までに提出しなくてはならない。
    I must submit it by tomorrow.

8. Summary

「〜ずにすまない」 and 「〜ないではすまない」 express a strong sense of necessity or obligation. They convey that an action must be taken to avoid undesirable outcomes or consequences. These structures are commonly used in formal and serious contexts to indicate that something cannot be avoided or overlooked.