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ざるを得ない・ないわけにはいかない・しかない: the difference

Meaning

Can't help doing, Have no choice but

Past papers

Tested 3 times in past papers

Example

サプライズのプレゼントに、驚おどろかざるを得えなかった。

I couldn't help but be surprised at the surprise present.

Meaning

Can't not, No way to avoid

Past papers

Tested once in past papers

Example

訳わけあって、白髪しらがを染そめないわけにはいかないんです。

For certain reasons, I can't leave my gray hair undyed.

Meaning

Have no choice but to, Can only

Past papers

Tested 3 times in past papers

Example

人ひとが多おおいから、並ならぶしかない。

Because there are a lot of people, we have no choice but to line up.

How to tell them apart

「ないわけにはいかない」: you can't skip it because of duty or common sense.

「しかない」: there is no other way; common in speech.

「ざるを得ない」: unwilling, but forced by circumstances; heavy and written in tone.

All about ざるを得ない ›All about ないわけにはいかない ›All about しかない ›