GRAMMAR DETAIL
ずにはいられない
Indicates that an emotion or stimulus makes an action impossible to suppress, so it occurs naturally.
Examples
あの映画を見ると、故郷を思い出さずにはいられない。
Whenever I watch that movie, I cannot help remembering my hometown.
Words used
その話を聞くと、笑わずにはいられない。
Whenever I hear that story, I cannot help laughing.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Replace a verb's negative
ないwithずand addにはいられないto express an inability to suppress the action. - Basic usage:
その話を聞くと、笑わずにはいられない。says that the story makes laughter impossible to suppress.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Negative connection and suru
笑わないbecomes笑わずにはいられない.するtakesせずas inせずにはいられない, notしず.
- An irresistible response versus an obligation
笑わずにはいられないdescribes laughter prompted by a stimulus, whereas笑わなければならないimposes an obligation to laugh. This construction's double negative emphasizes being unable to hold the action back.