〜ざるを得ない: have no choice but to is a JLPT N2 grammar point. You are forced to do it, unwillingly. Structure: [Verbe-ない (sans ない)] + ざるを得ない. This page explains the construction, gives Japanese examples with furigana readings, and links to related grammar points at this level.

〜ざるを得ない: have no choice but to

Structure

[Verbe-ない (sans ない)] + ざるを得ない

Explanation

ざるを得ない means you cannot avoid doing something because of circumstances. Take the ない-form and replace ない with ざるを得ない (する → せざるを得ない is irregular). Formal, often reluctant in tone.

Examples

It's the boss's order, so I have no choice but to do it.

I have no choice but to accept the facts.

Quiz preview

  • ざるを得ない ✓
  • わけがない
  • おそれがある
  • どころではない

~ざるを得ない expresses unavoidable obligation: “I have no choice but to do it.”

  • ざるを得ない ✓
  • ずに すむ
  • なければ よかった
  • かねない

〜ざるを得ない = “have no choice but to” (する → せざるを得ない): the weather forces the cancellation.

More N2 grammar points

〜にもかかわらず: despite / in spite of〜一方だ: keep …ing (one-way trend)〜に違いない: must be (certainty)〜どころか: far from / let alone〜わけにはいかない: can't afford to〜に応じて: according to〜たとたん(に): the moment that…〜ものの: although / but〜ばかりでなく: not only… but also〜ようがない: no way to…〜に関して: concerning / regarding

See all N2 points →