〜を禁じ得ない
cannot suppress ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜を禁じ得ない” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜を禁じ得ない」 means "cannot suppress ~". Structure: Noun + を禁じ得ない. This is a JLPT N1 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1その統治には驚きを禁じ得ない。
その とうち に は おどろき を きんじえない。
sono touchi ni wa odoroki o kinjienai.
I cannot suppress my surprise at that governance.
Everyday life
Example 2その勝訴には驚きを禁じ得ない。
その しょうそ に は おどろき を きんじえない。
sono shouso ni wa odoroki o kinjienai.
I cannot suppress my surprise at that winning a lawsuit.
Everyday life
Example 3その国際化には驚きを禁じ得ない。
その こくさいか に は おどろき を きんじえない。
sono kokusaika ni wa odoroki o kinjienai.
I cannot suppress my surprise at that internationalization.
Everyday life
Example 4その衰弱には驚きを禁じ得ない。
その すいじゃく に は おどろき を きんじえない。
sono suijaku ni wa odoroki o kinjienai.
I cannot suppress my surprise at that weakening.
Everyday life
Example 5その偵察には驚きを禁じ得ない。
その ていさつ に は おどろき を きんじえない。
sono teisatsu ni wa odoroki o kinjienai.
I cannot suppress my surprise at that reconnaissance.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I cannot suppress my surprise at that governance.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜を禁じ得ない.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.