Translation guide
This English phrase expresses compulsion or lack of choice. In Japanese, it is usually expressed through grammatical patterns rather than a single word. The most common patterns are 〜なければならない (must/have to) and 〜ざるを得ない (have no choice but to). The choice depends on whether the obligation comes from external circumstances or internal necessity.
Expresses that someone has to do something, often due to rules, duty, or strong expectation. This is the most common equivalent.
Standard pattern meaning 'must' or 'have to'. Used for both external and internal obligations. The negative form 〜なければいけない is slightly more colloquial.
明日までにレポートを出さなければならない。
I am forced to submit the report by tomorrow.
彼は家族のために働かなければならない。
He is forced to work for his family.
Colloquial equivalent of 〜なければならない. Very common in spoken Japanese.
もう行かないといけない。
I'm forced to go now.
Similar to 〜なければならない, slightly more formal or written. Often contracted to 〜なくちゃならない in speech.
この問題を解決しなくてはならない。
We are forced to solve this problem.
Emphasizes that the action is unavoidable due to external pressure or lack of alternatives. Stronger nuance of being forced.
Formal/literary pattern meaning 'cannot help but do' or 'have no choice but to'. Used when circumstances leave no alternative. The verb is in negative stem form (e.g., せざるを得ない from する).
悪天候のため、試合は中止せざるを得なかった。
Due to bad weather, we were forced to cancel the game.
彼の要求を受け入れざるを得ない。
I am forced to accept his demands.
Means 'there is no other way but to'. Emphasizes lack of alternatives. Often used with 〜するよりほかない.
こうするよりほかない。
I am forced to do it this way.
Casual pattern meaning 'there is nothing but to do'. Implies resignation. Verb in dictionary form + しかない.
やるしかない。
I'm forced to do it.
Indicates that a person is compelled by another person's will or command. Often uses causative or passive-causative forms.
Causative-passive form meaning 'is made to do' or 'is forced to do' by someone. Expresses reluctance or lack of volition.
母に野菜を食べさせられた。
I was forced to eat vegetables by my mother.
彼は上司に残業させられた。
He was forced to work overtime by his boss.
Literally 'is told to do', often implying being forced or pressured. Softer than causative-passive.
先生に毎日日記を書くように言われた。
I was forced (told) by the teacher to write a diary every day.
Expresses that something is forced by logic, fate, or natural consequence. Often used in written or formal contexts.
Formal expression meaning 'is forced to do' or 'is compelled to'. Used with nouns (e.g., 変更を余儀なくされる 'forced to change').
計画の変更を余儀なくされた。
We were forced to change the plan.
Double negative meaning 'cannot not do', i.e., 'must do' or 'forced to do' by circumstances or social obligation.
上司の誘いだから、行かないわけにはいかない。
Since it's my boss's invitation, I'm forced to go.
〜なければならない is a general 'must/have to' and can be used for both internal and external obligations. 〜ざるを得ない emphasizes that the action is taken reluctantly due to external circumstances beyond one's control. The latter is more formal and often used in writing or serious speech.
健康のために運動しなければならない。
I must exercise for my health. (internal obligation)
台風で旅行をキャンセルせざるを得なかった。
We were forced to cancel the trip due to the typhoon. (external compulsion)
Do not directly translate 'be forced to' as 強制される (kyousei sareru) in most contexts. 強制される means 'is coerced/compelled' and is used for legal or forceful compulsion, not everyday obligations. It sounds unnatural for common situations like 'I was forced to wait'.
待たされた。
I was forced to wait. (natural)
待つことを強制された。
I was forced to wait. (unnatural, overly literal)