〜ざるを得ない means "have no choice but to" or "cannot help but." Implies reluctance — you must do it despite not wanting to.
Forced action - Circumstances leave no other option
Reluctant acceptance - Doing something against your preference
Formal/written style. Casual equivalent: しかない, しょうがない
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Formation: ない-stem + ざるを得ない
- 行く → 行かない → 行かざるを得ない
- する → せざるを得ない (irregular)
Formal expression — common in business, news, writing
Exception: する → せざるを得ない (not しざる)
Due to budget constraints, we have no choice but to change the plan.
The train stopped, so I had no choice but to go by taxi.
In everyday context, Due to budget constraints, we have no choice but to change the plan.
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