Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 6: 7/20

ずに済(す)むGet by without doing something, To get away with

Structure

Verb[ない]+ ずに済(す)む
Verb[なくて]+ 済(す)む
Verb[ないで]+ 済(す)む

Details

  • Standard

About ずに済む

ずに済(す)む is a grammar construction used in Japanese to indicate that one can 'get away without doing (A)', or 'it's no problem without (A)'. This structure is just a mix of ず, a literary auxiliary verb that attaches to verbs in the same way as ない (and has the same meaning), に, and 済(す)む, a う-Verb meaning 'to come to pass', or 'to end up'. Literally, it can be thought of as meaning 'it will work out without (A)'.

As mentioned, ず connects to verbs in the same way as ない, so this structure will be seen after the verbs that they are negating.

As the primary element in this grammar point that controls the meaning is 済(す)む, other negations such as ないですむ, or なしですむ may also be seen. 無(な)しで functions as a suffix, so may be used directly after nouns, unlike ないで and ずに.

In most cases, (A) will be something that is thought of as unpleasant or bothersome, therefore highlighting the speaker's relief that it can be avoided.



Vocab Coverage

All Bunpro Vocab that appears on this item.

Examples

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  • 洗(あら)い物(もの)をせずに済(す)む。

    To get away with not doing the dishes.

  • 事故(じこ)が起(お)こったけど、怪我(けが)をせずに済(す)んだ。

    An accident occurred, but I got away without getting injured.

  • 犯人(はんにん)は警察(けいさつ)から、捕(つか)まらずに済(す)んだ。

    The criminal got away without being arrested by the police.

  • 基礎(きそ)からトレーニングを積(つ)んでいたから、潰(つぶ)れずに済(す)んだ。

    Because I built my training up from the foundation, I got by without being crushed.

  • ちゃんとペース配分(はいぶん)したから、体力(たいりょく)を消耗(しょうもう)せずに済(す)んだ。

    Because I properly paced myself, I got by without exhausting my physical strength.

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ずに済む – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (5 in total)

  • nadrad314

    nadrad314

    I’m sure I’m missing something basic, but with the verb する, why does it become せ and not simply し? As in しずにすむ instead of せずにすむ?

  • ka5

    ka5

    That’s just how it is with する. There’s a footnote about it back in ずに (JLPT N3) | Bunpro

  • nadrad314

    nadrad314

    I think I remember that now. Thanks!

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