GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ではすまない
Indicates that the consequences of an action are too serious to be resolved with a simple measure or apology.
Examples
重要な資料を失えば、謝るだけではすまない。
If you lose important documents, an apology alone will not be enough.
Words used
これほどの損失は、謝罪ではすまない。
A loss this great cannot be settled with an apology.
Words used
顧客情報を漏らしたら、謝罪だけではすまない。
If customer information is leaked, an apology alone will not be enough.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
ではすまないafter a noun naming a measure or afterだけmeans that the measure alone cannot settle the situation. - Basic usage:
これほどの損失は、謝罪ではすまない。says that a loss this great cannot be settled with an apology.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Adequacy rather than whether an apology occurs
謝罪だけではすまないrequires a response beyond an apology; it does not say that no apology will be made. The expression alone does not specify the compensation or measures required.
- A consequence within a condition
資料を失えば、謝るだけではすまないwarns of serious consequences if documents are lost.失えばis conditional, not a report that the loss has already occurred.