GRAMMAR
〜ざるを得ない
have no choice but
Explanation
NOTE
〜ざるを得ない means have no choice but to V or be forced to V — used when external circumstances leave no other option.
雨がひどいので、試合を中止せざるを得ない。
Since the rain is heavy, we have no choice but to cancel the match.
する becomes せざるを得ない (irregular).
NOTE
The tone is formal and often suggests reluctance — the speaker would rather not, but circumstances compel it.
NOTE
To form it, take the ない-form of a verb, drop ない, and attach ざるを得ない (行かない → 行かざるを得ない).
STRUCTURE
Vない
ざるを<ruby>得<rt>え</rt></ruby>ない上司の命令だから、従わざるを得ない。
Joushi no meirei dakara, shitagawazaru o enai.
Since it's the boss's order, I have no choice but to obey.
家賃が上がったので、引っ越さざるを得ない。
Yachin ga agatta node, hikkosazaru o enai.
Since the rent went up, I have no choice but to move.
証拠がそろっている以上、認めざるを得ない。
Shouko ga sorotteiru ijou, mitomezaru o enai.
Given that all the evidence is there, I can't help but admit it.
NOTE
Exception: する becomes せざるを得ない — not しざるを得ない. Memorize this irregular form.
残業をせざるを得ない状況だ。
It's a situation where I have no choice but to work overtime.
する → せざるを得ない (not しざるを得ない).
Practice exercises
1
両親が心配している限り、連絡をせざるを得ない。
To the extent that my parents are worried, I have no choice but to contact them.
Answer
せざるを得ない
2
私の知っている限り、この情報を教えざるを得ない。
To the limits of what I know, I have no choice but to share this information.
Answer
教えざるを得ない
3
この条件では、計画を変更せざるを得ない。
Under these conditions, I have no choice but to change the plan.
Answer
変更せざるを得ない
4
多忙なため、その提案を断らざるを得ない。
Due to being extremely busy, I have no choice but to decline that proposal.
Answer
断らざるを得ない
5
この仕事を引き受けた限り、責任を取らざるを得ない。
As long as I've taken on this job, I have no choice but to take responsibility.
Answer
取らざるを得ない