This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

せざるを得ない

Reading

Kana: せざるをえない
Romaji: sezaruwoenai
Kana
Romaji

Definition

exp
1

cannot avoid doing; cannot help but (do); is compelled to do; (feel) obliged to (do); has to do

See also: ざる

Kanji

Readings: トク、 え.る、 う.る
Meanings: gain, get, find, earn, acquire, can, may, able to, profit, advantage, benefit

Example Sentences

いや反対(はんたい)せざるをえません。
➥Well, I must disagree.
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(わたし)はそう決断(けつだん)せざるを()ない。
➥I cannot help deciding so.
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(ひと)運命(うんめい)甘受(かんじゅ)せざるを()ない。
➥One can't quarrel with destiny.
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我々(われわれ)妥協(だきょう)せざるをえない。
➥We have no choice but to compromise.
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不正(ふせい)には抗議(こうぎ)せざるをえない。
➥You must speak out against injustice.
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(わたし)(かれ)同情(どうじょう)せざるをえなかった。
➥I could not help feeling sympathy with him.
Full Entry➤
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