ずには措かない
Will definitely, Will certainly, Bound to, Not fail to
Structure
Verb [ない] + では + おかない
Exception:
する→せずにはおかない
Verb [Negative] + では + おかない
Explanation
ずにはおかない is formed by combining the classical negative auxiliary ず with the particles に and は, followed by おかない, the negative form of the verb 措く ('to leave something as it is'). This expression conveys that an action will definitely be carried out, or that a certain outcome is inevitable.
This is a rather formal structure. Its literal sense is 'to not leave a situation alone without doing (A)', which implies a strong determination to see the action through to completion, as suggested by its common English translations.
Since this grammar pattern uses the negative ず ending, it always attaches to the stem of a verb.
- あの映画は大人気だから、何かの賞を取らずにはおかないだろう。That movie is so popular, I'm sure it's bound to win some kind of award.
- 人気アイドルのスキャンダルだから、世間は騒がずにはおかない。Since it's a scandal involving a popular idol, the public will undoubtedly make a fuss about it.
It is also possible to replace ず with ないでは, forming ないではおかない. This alternative has exactly the same meaning and usage.
- 何度も同じミスをしたからには、部長も彼を叱らないではおかないだろう。Seeing as he's made the same mistake so many times, the department manager is sure to give him a talking-to.
- 他人に迷惑をかけたのだから、子供には謝らせないではおかない。Since my child caused trouble for someone else, I will make sure they apologize.
Caution
Because this grammar pattern conveys a strong resolve to see something through, it is frequently used with causative verbs. This emphasizes a determination to make another person act or to elicit a certain emotional response from them.
- この小説の最後の場面は、読む人を泣かせずにはおかない。The final scene of this novel is sure to make any reader cry.
Examples
あの感動的な映画は、見る人を泣かせずにはおかないだろう。
That moving film will not fail to make anyone who watches it cry.
上司:「今回の失敗の責任は、必ず彼に取らせないではおかない。」
Boss: 'I won't fail to make him take responsibility for this mistake.'
「あんなひどいことをした犯人を、私は必ず罰しないではおかない。」
'I will not fail to punish the criminal who did such a terrible thing.'
彼の衝撃的な告白は、聞いた人々を驚かせないではおかないだろう。
His shocking confession will not fail to surprise everyone who hears it.
ジャーナリスト:「この事件の真相は、国民の前に明らかにせずにはおかない。」
Journalist: 'I won't fail to reveal the truth of this incident to the public.'