〜ずに
without doing ~
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜ずに” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ずに」 means "without doing ~". Structure: Verb nai-stem + ずに. This is a JLPT N3 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修理を確認せずに送ってしまいました。
しゅうり を かくにん せず に おくって しまいました。
shuuri o kakunin sezu ni okutte shimaimashita.
I sent it without checking the repair.
At work
Example 2資料を確認せずに送ってしまいました。
しりょう を かくにん せず に おくって しまいました。
shiryou o kakunin sezu ni okutte shimaimashita.
I sent it without checking the materials.
Everyday life
Example 3機械を確認せずに送ってしまいました。
きかい を かくにん せず に おくって しまいました。
kikai o kakunin sezu ni okutte shimaimashita.
I sent it without checking the machine.
Everyday life
Example 4材料を確認せずに送ってしまいました。
ざいりょう を かくにん せず に おくって しまいました。
zairyou o kakunin sezu ni okutte shimaimashita.
I sent it without checking the ingredients.
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 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I sent it without checking the repair.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ずに.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.