Translation guide
Expresses that someone feels forced or driven to do something, often against their will or due to strong internal or external pressure.
To say that someone has no choice but to do something because of the situation.
A formal pattern meaning 'cannot help but do' or 'have no choice but to do'. Used when circumstances force an action, often reluctantly.
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 are compelled to cancel the game.
Means 'cannot avoid doing' due to social obligation or strong expectation. Implies that not doing it would be unacceptable.
上司の頼みだから、断らないわけにはいかない。
Since it's my boss's request, I'm compelled to accept it.
Literally 'there is no other way but to...'. Used when all other options are exhausted.
最終電車に乗り遅れたので、タクシーで帰るよりほかない。
I missed the last train, so I'm compelled to go home by taxi.
A more casual way to say 'have no choice but to'. Common in spoken Japanese.
誰も手伝ってくれないから、自分でやるしかない。
No one will help me, so I'm compelled to do it myself.
To express that one feels an irresistible impulse to do something.
Means 'cannot help but do' due to a strong emotional or psychological urge. Often used for actions one cannot suppress.
その映画を見ると、誰でも泣かずにはいられない。
Anyone who watches that movie is compelled to cry.
Indicates doing something unintentionally or despite oneself, often with a sense of regret or lack of control.
お腹が空いていたので、ケーキを全部食べてしまった。
I was so hungry that I was compelled to eat the whole cake.
Expresses an unbearable desire to do something. Stronger than just 'want to'.
彼に会いたくてたまらない。
I am compelled to see him; I can't stand not seeing him.
To say that someone is made to do something by another person.
Causative-passive form meaning 'is made to do'. Indicates being forced by someone else, often with resentment.
子供の頃、嫌いな野菜を食べさせられた。
When I was a child, I was compelled to eat vegetables I hated.
Directly means 'to be forced/compelled'. More formal and explicit than the causative-passive.
彼は会社に辞表を書くことを強制された。
He was compelled by the company to write a resignation letter.
〜ざるを得ない is used when external circumstances force an action, often reluctantly. 〜ずにはいられない is used when an internal emotion or urge compels an action, often involuntarily.
電車が止まったので、歩いて帰らざるを得なかった。
The train stopped, so I was compelled to walk home. (external)
その話を聞いて、笑わずにはいられなかった。
Hearing that story, I was compelled to laugh. (internal)
English 'compelled' can be translated directly as 強制される, but this often sounds too strong or legalistic. Use the patterns above for more natural expressions depending on the nuance.