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よりしかたがない・ざるを得ない: the difference

Meaning

There is no choice but, Can't be helped, Inevitable

Past papers

Not yet

Example

税金ぜいきんは、高たかくとも納おさめるより仕方しかたがない。

We have no choice but to pay taxes, even if they are high.

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.

How to tell them apart

「よりしかたがない」: the methods are used up; only this one is left.

「ざるを得ない」: very unwilling, but forced by circumstances: 「気が進まないが、引き受けざるを得ない」 (I don't feel like it, but I have to take it on).

All about よりしかたがない ›All about ざるを得ない ›