Japanese grammar
What does ～ずにすむ mean? Japanese grammar N1
～ずにすむ means manage without doing…; avoid having to….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vない形 (drop ない) + ずにすむ する → せずにすむ |
| Romaji | zunisumu |
| Meaning | manage without doing…; avoid having to… |
Forming it
| Verb | 払わ + ずにすむ |
|---|---|
| Verb (する) | 手術せ + ずにすむ |
How to use it
States being fortunate enough not to have to do the troublesome thing A. A positive outcome.
- 「～ずにすむ」 = getting to skip doing A, avoiding A. Implies being FORTUNATE not to have to deal with something troublesome.
- Drop the 「ない」 of the negative form and add 「ずにすむ」; 「する」 → 「せずにすむ」.
- The colloquial equivalent: 「～ないですむ」/「～なくてすむ」.
Examples
早めに予約したので、並ばずにすんだ。
Because I booked early, I didn’t have to queue.
幸い、手術せずにすみました。
Fortunately, I got by without surgery.
Keep in mind
- 「する」 → 「せずにすむ」.
- A is a troublesome thing one wants to avoid.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong手術しずにすんだ。
Luckily, I didn't have to have surgery.
Correct手術せずにすんだ。
「する」 becomes 「せず」 (not 「しず」).
-
Wrong旅行に行かずにすんで、残念だ。
I didn't have to go on the trip, which was a shame.
Correct無駄な出費をせずにすんで、よかった。
This pattern implies being FORTUNATE to avoid something troublesome; it's not used when expressing regret.
Exam tips
- 「ずにすむ」 = getting to skip doing A (fortunate); 「する」→「せずにすむ」.