Processing keyword: Noun を禁じ得ない (〜wo kinjienai)

Japanese Grammar Point: Noun を禁じ得ない (〜wo kinjienai)

Noun を禁じ得ない (〜をきんじえない)

1. Introduction

The grammar point Nounを禁じ得ない (〜をきんじえない) is an expression used in Japanese to convey the idea that one "cannot help but (do something)" or "cannot refrain from (doing something)." It often conveys a strong emotion or reaction.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Structure: [Noun] + を + 禁じ得ない (きんじえない)
• Meaning: "Cannot help but..." or "Cannot refrain from..."
• Use: This structure emphasizes an unavoidable feeling or reaction towards something.

Formation Diagram

[Noun] + を + 禁じ得ない

Breakdown

• Noun: The subject you are referring to (e.g., sadness, anger).
• 禁じ得ない (きんじえない): A combination of "禁じる (to prohibit)" and "得ない (cannot obtain)," which together imply that one cannot prohibit oneself from feeling or doing something.

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

• Nounを避けられない (〜をさけられない): "Cannot avoid (doing [something])" – this focuses on avoidance rather than emotional response.
• Nounをやむを得ない (〜をやむをえない): "Inevitably (must do [something])" – suggests necessity rather than emotional compulsion.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 彼の成功を見て、喜びを禁じ得ない。
   • (かれのせいこうをみて、よろこびをきんじえない。)
   • "Seeing his success, I cannot help but feel joy."
2. Informal Context:
   • この映画を見たら、泣かずにはいられないよ。感動を禁じ得ない。
   • (このえいがをみたら、なくずにはいられないよ。かんどうをきんじえない。)
   • "Once you see this movie, you can’t help but cry. I cannot refrain from being moved."
3. Written Context:
   • 彼女の演説を聞いて、感銘を受けたことを禁じ得ない。
   • (かのじょのえんぜつをきいて、かんめいをうけたことをきんじえない。)
   • "I cannot help but be impressed by her speech."
4. Spoken Context:
   • 昨日の試合の結果には、驚きを禁じ得ないね。
   • (きのうのしあいのけっかには、おどろきをきんじえないね。)
   • "I can't help but be surprised by the result of yesterday's match."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

This expression often reflects a deep emotional state in Japanese culture, where showing feelings openly can be less common than in some Western cultures. Using this expression can demonstrate a level of vulnerability and sincerity.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

The structure can be used in both formal and informal contexts but is especially more impactful in written and formal communication.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 感情を禁じ得ない (かんじょうをきんじえない): "Cannot help but feel emotions."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Incorrectly using with verbs instead of nouns.
  • Correct: その出来事に対する怒りを禁じ得ない。
  • Error: その出来事に対する怒るを禁じ得ない。 (invalid structure)

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember "禁じる" (to prohibit) as "prohibiting oneself" from an emotion you wish to express.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Nounを禁じ得ない is used to express that one cannot help but feel a certain way.
• It reflects emotions and is often used in formal contexts.
• It has nuances different from expressions that suggest necessity or avoidance.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Translate the following: 彼の気持ちを理解することを禁じ得ない。
2. Which of the following expresses an emotion:
   • A) 彼を褒めることを禁じ得ない
   • B) 彼を避けることを禁じ得ない

By understanding and practicing this grammar point, learners can effectively express emotions and reactions in various situations in Japanese!