Translation guide
Expressing that an action is inevitable or unavoidable. Japanese uses various patterns depending on nuance, such as 'have no choice but to', 'can't help but', or 'must'.
The speaker feels they must do something because there is no other option, often due to external circumstances.
A formal pattern meaning 'cannot help but do' or 'have no choice but to do'. Used when the action is unavoidable due to circumstances. Attach to the negative stem of a verb (e.g., する → せざるを得ない).
雨が降っているので、試合を中止せざるを得ない。
Since it's raining, we have no choice but to cancel the game.
Means 'cannot avoid doing' because of social obligation or duty. Literally 'there is no way I can not do'. Attach to the negative form of a verb.
上司に頼まれたので、やらないわけにはいかない。
Since my boss asked me, I can't avoid doing it.
Casual pattern meaning 'there is nothing but to do'. Expresses that the only option is to do something. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
バスがないから、歩くしかない。
There's no bus, so we have no choice but to walk.
The speaker does something involuntarily because of an emotion or natural reaction.
Means 'cannot help but do' due to a strong internal urge. Attach to the negative stem of a verb (e.g., 泣く → 泣かずにはいられない).
その映画を見て、泣かずにはいられなかった。
I couldn't help crying after watching that movie.
Expresses that an action happens unintentionally or regrettably. Often used for things you can't help doing. Attach to the te-form of a verb.
つい食べ過ぎてしまう。
I can't help overeating.
Similar to ～ずにはいられない but slightly more emphatic. Attach to the negative form of a verb.
彼の冗談に笑わないではいられなかった。
I couldn't help laughing at his joke.
The speaker feels compelled to do something because of rules, duty, or necessity.
Standard way to say 'must do'. Implies obligation. Attach to the negative stem of a verb.
明日までにレポートを出さなければならない。
I must submit the report by tomorrow.
Casual equivalent of ～なければならない. Used in spoken Japanese.
もう行かないといけない。
I have to go now.
Accepting that something is unavoidable, often with a sense of resignation.
Common phrase meaning 'it can't be helped' or 'there's no way around it'. Used to express resignation.
電車が遅れたのは仕方がない。
It can't be helped that the train was late.
More casual version of 仕方がない.
～ざるを得ない is used when external circumstances force you to do something, while ～ずにはいられない is used when an internal feeling compels you. For example, 仕事を辞めざるを得ない (I have no choice but to quit my job) vs. 彼女のことを考えずにはいられない (I can't help thinking about her).
病気で仕事を辞めざるを得なかった。
I had no choice but to quit my job due to illness.
彼女のことを考えずにはいられない。
I can't help thinking about her.
雨だから、しょうがないね。
It's raining, so it can't be helped, right?