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〜ずには済まない・〜ないでは済まない

can't get away without, will have to

Verb ない-stem + ずには済まない (する → せずには済まない)

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ずには済まない means that, given the situation or social rules, you can't avoid doing something: 人に迷惑をかけたのだから、謝らずには済まない, "you caused trouble, so you'll have to apologise".

The verb is usually an obligation you'd rather avoid: apologising, reporting, paying for damage, explaining or taking responsibility. The pressure comes from the situation, not from your own feelings.

It's the exact opposite of ずに済む (N2), "get away without doing": 謝らずに済んだ, "I got away without apologising". ないでは済まない means the same.

Compare ずにはおかない, which is about something being bound to happen, or someone's strong resolve.

Examples

  • 人ひとに迷惑めいわくをかけたのだから、謝あやまらずには済すまない。

    You caused trouble, so you'll have to apologise.

  • このミスは、部長ぶちょうに報告ほうこくせずには済すまないだろう。

    We'll have to report this mistake to the department head.

  • 高たかい花瓶かびんを割わってしまった。弁償べんしょうせずには済すまない。

    I broke an expensive vase. I'll have to pay for it.

  • これだけの問題もんだいになれば、社長しゃちょうが説明せつめいせずには済すまない。

    Now that it's become such a big problem, the president will have to explain.

  • 約束やくそくを破やぶったのだから、責任せきにんを取とらずには済すまない。

    You broke your promise, so you'll have to take responsibility.

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