〜ずにはいられない cannot help but, cannot resist
Core meaning - cannot help but, cannot resist
Form - Verb (ない-stem) + ずにはいられない; する → せずにはいられない
Usage - Focus on the highlighted segment in each example; surrounding words can change while the pattern function stays the same.
Use this pattern for its grammatical function, not as a literal word-by-word translation.
See examples below for varied real-world usage.
Pattern scope
- Use this pattern as a grammar frame: Verb (ない-stem) + ずにはいられない; する → せずにはいられない.
Do not overextend meaning
- The highlighted form shows the grammar point; other words in the sentence can vary.
Check register and context
- Prefer natural context, and avoid translating word-by-word from English.
I couldn't help but laugh.
In everyday context, I couldn't help but laugh.
In real communication, I couldn't help but laugh.
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