Translation guide
Expresses inability to avoid or control an action, feeling, or outcome. In Japanese, this is typically conveyed through set patterns like 〜ずにはいられない, 〜ないではいられない, 〜てしまう, or 〜しかない, depending on nuance.
Expressing that one cannot stop oneself from doing something due to a strong internal feeling (e.g., laughing, crying, worrying).
Attach to the negative stem of a verb (nai-form minus ない). Indicates an irresistible compulsion. Often used for emotional or spontaneous reactions.
彼の冗談を聞いて、笑わずにはいられなかった。
I couldn't help laughing at his joke.
その映画を見て、泣かずにはいられなかった。
I couldn't help crying after watching that movie.
Similar to 〜ずにはいられない but slightly more emphatic or literary. Attach to the nai-form of a verb.
彼女の美しさに感動しないではいられなかった。
I couldn't help being moved by her beauty.
Used for actions that happen unintentionally or despite one's intentions. Often implies regret or lack of control. Casual contraction: 〜ちゃう / 〜じゃう.
つい食べ過ぎてしまった。
I couldn't help overeating.
彼の顔を見ると、笑っちゃう。
I can't help laughing when I see his face.
Expressing that one has no choice but to do something, often due to external circumstances.
Attach to the dictionary form of a verb. Indicates that there is no other option. More objective than 〜ざるを得ない.
最終電車に乗り遅れたので、タクシーで帰るしかない。
I missed the last train, so I can't help but take a taxi home.
Attach to the negative stem of a verb (nai-form minus ない). Formal, often used when forced by circumstances against one's will. The verb する becomes せざるを得ない.
台風のため、旅行を中止せざるを得なかった。
We couldn't help but cancel the trip due to the typhoon.
Emphasizes that there is no other way. Slightly more emphatic than 〜しかない.
ここまで来たら、やるよりほかない。
Now that we've come this far, we can't help but do it.
Expressing that something is inevitable or naturally follows from a situation.
Attach to the nai-form of a verb. Indicates that one cannot avoid doing something due to social obligation, duty, or common sense.
上司の誘いだから、断らないわけにはいかない。
Since it's my boss's invitation, I can't help but accept.
Attach to the te-form of a verb or adjective. Expresses an uncontrollable feeling or thought. Often used with verbs of emotion or thinking.
彼のことが心配でならない。
I can't help worrying about him.
Expressing that something is so obvious or striking that one cannot avoid noticing or feeling it.
Attach to the te-form of a verb or adjective. Indicates an unbearable degree of a feeling or sensation. 〜てしょうがない is more casual.
暑くてしょうがない。
I can't help feeling hot.
彼のことが気になってしかたがない。
I can't help being curious about him.
〜ずにはいられない emphasizes an internal, emotional compulsion (e.g., laughing, crying). 〜てしまう often implies an unintended action or result, sometimes with regret (e.g., eating too much, breaking something).
悲しい映画を見て、泣かずにはいられなかった。
I couldn't help crying (emotional compulsion).
うっかり花瓶を割ってしまった。
I accidentally broke the vase (unintended action).
Do not translate 'cannot help' directly as 助けられない (cannot assist). The English phrase is idiomatic and requires the patterns above.