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ずにはおかない・ずにはすまない: the difference

Meaning

Will definitely, Will certainly, Bound to, Not fail to

Past papers

Not yet

Example

小説しょうせつ、勇者ゆうしゃ:「どんな手段しゅだんを用もちいても、かならず魔王まおうを倒たおさずにはおかない。」

Novel, Hero: 'No matter what it takes, I will not fail to defeat the Demon Lord!'

Meaning

Won't get away without, Won't get off without, Have to, Have no choice but to, Can’t not

Past papers

Not yet

Example

重要じゅうような会議かいぎだから、間まに合あわないではすまない。

It's an important meeting, so I won't get away without making it on time.

How to tell them apart

「〜ずにはおかない」: the subject forcibly affects the object; a person won't rest, a thing inevitably moves people.

「〜ずにはすまない」: under social duty and responsibility, you can't get away without doing it.

「〜てやまない」: a sincere, lasting hope or wish, e.g. 「祈ってやまない」 (I sincerely pray).

All about ずにはおかない ›All about ずにはすまない ›