〜ずにはいられない
JLPT N3:can't help doing
"Can't help doing": a reaction or urge is too strong to hold back.
How to form it
- Start from the ない form and replace ない with ずにはいられない: 笑わない becomes 笑わずにはいられない.
- する becomes せずにはいられない.
- It describes the speaker's own feelings and reactions.
Examples
その話を聞いて、笑わずにはいられなかった。
When I heard that story, I couldn't help laughing.
困っている人を見ると、助けずにはいられない。
When I see someone in trouble, I can't help helping.
Notes
- 〜ないではいられない means the same and is a little less formal.
Common mistakes
- Saying しずに. The する form is せずに.
- Using it for an obligation from outside. It is about an urge you feel.
Same form, different meaning
- 〜ずにwithout doing (formal)
ずに alone: "without doing".
- 〜ずには済まないcannot avoid / must
ずにはすまない: "can't get away without doing", because of duty or circumstances.