～ざる
To not ~, Un~
Structure
Explanation
ざる is a classical Japanese grammar form that functions as the noun-modifying version of the negative auxiliary verb ず. It carries the meaning of 'not' and attaches to verbs using the same base as ない. In English, ざる is frequently translated with prefixes like 'un-' or 'in-', as in 'unseen' or 'inseparable'.
Typically, ざる connects to a verb to create a phrase that directly describes a noun that immediately follows it.
- 彼は目標達成のため、絶えざる努力を続けた。He put in a never-ending effort to achieve his goal.
- これは、その英雄の語られざる物語である。This is the untold story of that hero.
While ざる can technically replace ない when modifying a noun, in contemporary Japanese its use is largely restricted to set phrases and established expressions, most notably the grammar pattern ざるを得ない, meaning 'cannot help but (A)'.
Caution
Consistent with many classical grammar forms, when used with する, ざる attaches to the archaic せ base instead of the modern し base.
- 悪天候のため、計画を変更せざるを得なかった。Due to the bad weather, we had no choice but to change our plans.
Fun-fact
You may see some resources identify ざる as the noun-modifying form of another classical verb, ざり. This is not incorrect, as ざり is simply a fused form of ず plus the verb あり ('to be'). Ultimately, ず is the historical root of both forms.
Examples
絶えざる革新が、この会社の成長を支えている。
Unceasing innovation supports this company's growth.
彼には誰にも話していない、知られざる過去があるらしい。
It seems he has an unknown past that he hasn't told anyone about.
私にとって、あの日の出来事は忘れざる記憶です。
For me, the events of that day are an unforgettable memory.
彼女の飾らざる人柄に多くの人が惹きつけられる。
Many people are drawn to her unpretentious character.
予期せざる事態に備えて、準備をしておくべきだ。
We should prepare in case of an unforeseen situation.
どんな困難があっても、彼の揺るがざる信念は変わらなかった。
No matter what difficulties he faced, his unwavering conviction never changed.
宇宙には、まだ我々の計り知れざる謎が多く存在する。
There are still many immeasurable mysteries in the universe.
市場は見えざる手によって動かされていると言われる。
It is said that the market is moved by an invisible hand.
彼は古代史に対して尽きざる興味を持っている。
He holds an inexhaustible interest in ancient history.
その事件の裏には、まだ語られざる真実が隠されている。
Behind that incident, an untold truth is still hidden.
物語は思わざる展開を迎え、読者を驚かせた。
The story reached an unexpected development, surprising the readers.
テクノロジーの止まざる進化についていくのは大変だ。
It is difficult to keep up with the unceasing evolution of technology.