# ずにはおかない / ないではおかない: will definitely do; cannot not ~ > Learn how to use ずにはおかない / ないではおかない, JLPT N1 Japanese grammar meaning will definitely do, with structure, nuance, examples, mistakes, and comparisons. JLPT level: N1 · Updated: 2026-05-18 · Canonical: https://hane-app.com/blog/n1-zu-niwa-okanai-nai-dewa-okanai/ **ずにはおかない / ないではおかない** means **will definitely do; cannot not ~**. It is a **JLPT N1** Japanese grammar pattern used to express that a person, thing, or situation inevitably causes a certain effect—the subject’s quality or action makes the outcome unavoidable. This grammar point often appears in editorials, reviews, passionate commentary, and JLPT N1 reading passages. If you want to state that something is bound to make someone feel or act in a particular way, **ずにはおかない / ないではおかない** adds weight and natural dramatic force to your Japanese.
When you want to say “this is so powerful that it can’t not have that effect,” reach for ずにはおかない.
## What does ずにはおかない / ないではおかない mean? Use **ずにはおかない / ないではおかない** when you want to express that a person, thing, or situation inevitably causes a certain effect—the subject’s quality or action makes the outcome unavoidable. Natural translations include: - will definitely do; cannot not ~ - is bound to make (someone) do / feel … - never fails to cause … The best translation depends on the sentence. Try to notice what is causing the effect and who or what experiences it, then choose the English phrase that captures the inevitability. ## How to form ずにはおかない / ないではおかない Two parallel patterns exist. They attach to verbs and are equivalent in meaning; the choice is a matter of style. **Pattern 1: ずにはおかない (classical negative stem)**
Verb (nai‑stem)
+
ずにはおかない
→
食べ(たべ)ずにはおかない
- For する → せずにはおかない - For くる → こずにはおかない **Pattern 2: ないではおかない (modern negative form)**
Verb (ない‑form)
+
ではおかない
→
食べ(たべ)ないではおかない
- For する → しないではおかない - For くる → こないではおかない The pattern takes a transitive or causative verb that describes an effect on something else. You cannot use it for purely self‑focused actions. In JLPT questions, distractors often try to attach ずにはおかない to an intransitive verb where only an external effect makes sense. ## When is ずにはおかない / ないではおかない used? Use **ずにはおかない / ないではおかない** in situations like: - reviewing books, films, or performances to say “it will absolutely move you” - criticising behaviour that inevitably provokes a reaction - making strong assertions about historical or social forces - expressing personal predictions with emotional certainty Tone and register: - formal to semi‑formal; common in written commentary, speeches, and news analysis - conveys intensity, not casual chat - often followed by ～だろう to soften a prediction, or used directly for a bold claim ## ずにはおかない / ないではおかない example sentences
観客かんきゃくを感動かんどうさせずにはおかない。
This film will definitely move the audience.
causative・emotional impact
彼(かれ)の無礼ぶれいな態度たいどは誰だれもが怒おこらずにはおかない。
His rude attitude will certainly make anyone angry.
inevitable reaction
あの選手せんしゅの活躍かつやくは世界せかいを驚おどろかせずにはおかない。
That athlete’s achievements will inevitably astonish the world.
causative・global scale
そのニュースは人々ひとびとを悲かなしませずにはおかないだろう。
That news will surely sadden people.
prediction with だろう
この小説しょうせつは読者どくしゃを考かんがえさせずにはおかない。
This novel will definitely make readers think.
intellectual impact
彼女(かのじょ)の歌声うたごえは聴きく者ものを魅了みりょうせずにはおかない。
Her singing voice will unquestionably captivate listeners.
artistic captivation
今回こんかいの事件じけんは社会しゃかいを混乱こんらんさせないではおかない。
This incident is bound to throw society into confusion.
ないでは version・social disruption
その発言はつげんは大おおきな波紋はもんを呼よばずにはおかない。
That remark will inevitably cause a huge stir.
idiomatic：波紋(はもん)を呼ぶ(よぶ)
After reading each sentence, ask what job **ずにはおかない / ないではおかない** is doing: stating that the subject’s nature or action guarantees a particular effect. That makes the nuance easier to remember than a one-word translation. ## Nuance of ずにはおかない / ないではおかない The key nuance is **irresistible cause‑and‑effect**. The speaker is not just saying “probably” — they are asserting that the effect is unavoidable, given the subject’s intensity or qualities. This differs from patterns that describe internal urges (like ずにはいられない). Here the focus is external: somebody or something forces a reaction in a third party. That is why you rarely use ずにはおかない about your own sleep or meals — you use it about a movie that moves *viewers*, a speech that angers *the public*, or a performance that astonishes *everyone*.
💡
Think agent → effect. The grammar always implies a “causer” (book, event, person’s attitude) and a “receiver” (reader, audience, society). If you can’t identify both, ずにはおかない is probably the wrong choice.
## ずにはおかない / ないではおかない vs ずにはいられない Both patterns share the ずには… element, but they differ in direction and scope.
ずにはおかない / ないではおかない
external inevitability
Used when a person, thing, or situation forces a reaction in someone else. The subject makes the effect happen; the speaker observes it.
この映画(えいが)は観客(かんきゃく)を感動(かんどう)させずにはおかない。
This film will definitely move the audience. (The film causes the moving.)
vs
ずにはいられない
internal compulsion
Used when the speaker themselves cannot resist doing something because of a strong feeling or urge.
この映画(えいが)を見る(みる)と、泣か(なか)ずにはいられない。
When I watch this film, I can’t help crying. (My own feelings compel me.)
If both translations seem possible, check the subjects: is the grammar point describing a force that makes *somebody else* react? Or a personal, uncontrollable impulse? The answer tells you the correct pattern. ## Common mistakes with ずにはおかない / ないではおかない
❌
私(わたくし)は毎晩(まいばん)寝(ね)ずにはおかない。
✅
私(わたくし)は毎晩(まいばん)寝(ね)ずにはいられない。
Sleep is an internal urge, not an effect forced on another.
❌
この薬(くすり)は病気(びょうき)を治ら(なおら)ずにはおかない。
❌
This medicine will definitely cure the disease.
治る(なおる) is intransitive. Use a causative or transitive verb: 治さ(なおさ)せずにはおかない, or simply 治す(なおす) without ずにはおかない.
❌
彼(かれ)の話(はなし)はおもしろくて、笑わ(わらわ)ずにはおかない。
✅
彼(かれ)の話(はなし)はおもしろくて、笑わ(わらわ)ずにはいられない。
The speaker is describing their own laugh, not claiming the story inevitably forces laughter upon everyone. If the intention is “the story is so funny it makes anyone laugh,” rephrase as 彼(かれ)の話(はなし)は誰(だれ)をも笑わ(わらわ)せずにはおかない.
A helpful practice method is to write one sentence with **ずにはおかない**, then rewrite it with **ずにはいられない**. If the meaning or tone changes, explain that difference in your own words. ## Is ずにはおかない / ないではおかない on the JLPT?
N1

ずにはおかない / ないではおかない is commonly taught as JLPT N1 grammar.

That means learners should be able to:

✔ recognize it in reading
✔ understand its nuance in context
✔ choose between ずにはおかない and ずにはいられない in multiple‑choice questions
For test preparation, study the grammar point in full sentences. JLPT questions often test whether you understand the surrounding context, not just the dictionary meaning. Pay attention to who or what is the agent and who receives the effect. ## Practice questions for ずにはおかない / ないではおかない
1 Write a sentence using ずにはおかない about a book or movie that had a strong emotional impact on you. causative・emotion
2 Describe a social event that is sure to provoke widespread debate. Use ないではおかない. social impact
3 Create one pair of sentences contrasting ずにはおかない and ずにはいられない with the same situation. comparison
4 Think of a famous speech or quote. Rewrite its effect on listeners using ずにはおかない. formal register
Keep your first sentences simple. Once the structure feels natural, add more context so the causal chain becomes clear. ## Learning path for ずにはおかない / ないではおかない To learn **ずにはおかない / ないではおかない** efficiently, start with its formation, then compare it with similar patterns, and finally practice in context.
1 Practice forming both variants with common verbs: 感動(かんどう)させる、驚か(おどろか)せる、怒ら(おこら)せる、混乱(こんらん)させる、呼ぶ(よぶ) etc. Write the ない‑stem and ない‑form versions.
2 Contrast with ずにはいられない. Choose the right pattern when the subject is a powerful external force vs. an internal impulse.
3 Read editorials or film reviews in Japanese and highlight sentences that match the “cannot not ~” meaning. Notice how the pattern often appears with ～させる or emotional verbs.
4 Write your own strong opinions using ずにはおかない — for example, describe a policy change, a performance, or a historical event. Then check whether the grammar point correctly identifies both the causer and the recipient.
5 Move on to related N1 ず‑ patterns (below) to deepen your command of this style.
## Related grammar to review next - [ずに済む(すむ)](/blog/n1-zu-jimai/) — because it also uses ずに, but with the opposite nuance (getting by *without* doing something) - [ずには済ま(すま)ない／ないでは済ま(すま)ない](/blog/n1-zu-niwa-sumanai-nai-dewa-sumanai/) — because it shares the “cannot be left undone” structure, but focuses on obligation rather than inevitable external effect - [ずとも](/blog/n1-zu-tomo/) — because it contrasts with the older ず negative, showing a more formal alternative - [ぞ／ぜ](/blog/n1-zo-ze/) — because both sentence‑ending particles add emphasis, and the assertive tone overlaps with the confidence of ずにはおかない ## Learn ずにはおかない / ないではおかない with Hane If you want to review **ずにはおかない / ないではおかない** together with the related patterns above, Hane helps you practice Japanese in short, focused sessions. Browse more lessons here: - [All grammar lessons](/blog/) - [JLPT N1 grammar lessons](/blog/n1/)