ずに済む | Grammar

Structure

[v5 ない-stem] + ずに済む
[v1 ない-stem] + ずに済む
[する → せ] + ずに済む
[来る → こ] + ずに済む

済む may conjugate: 済んだ (past), 済めば (conditional), etc.

Description

The grammar pattern ずに済む expresses that something was resolved or turned out okay without having to do a particular action. It conveys a sense of relief or fortune that an undesirable or burdensome action was avoided. It translates naturally as "to get by without doing ~" or "to manage without having to ~."

Formation

Attach ずにすむ済む to the negative stem of a verb (the same stem used for ない). For most verbs, replace ない with ず:

払う → 払わない → 払わずに済む
行く → 行かない → 行かずに済む

The irregular verb する becomes せずにすむ済む (not ×しずに済む).

。

I managed without having to have surgery.

Usage and nuance

This pattern typically implies that the speaker is glad or relieved that the action was unnecessary. The avoided action is usually something unpleasant, costly, or troublesome.

、。

I got by without using a taxi, so I saved money.

、。

Since I had an umbrella, I managed to avoid getting wet.

Past and non-past

The pattern frequently appears in the past tense (ずにすんだ済んだ / ずにすみました済みました), reporting that something has already been avoided. However, it can also appear in non-past forms to express hope or possibility:

。

This time I might be able to get by without working overtime.

has the same meaning and is slightly more colloquial. sounds somewhat more formal or literary.

なら。

If I can get away without apologizing, I'd like to.

あやまら謝らなら。

If I can get away without apologizing, I'd like to.

Examples

、のら乗ら。

My friend gave me a ride, so I got by without having to take the train.

、。

Thanks to the medicine, I managed without having to have surgery.

、。

Since I left early, I managed to avoid being late.

、はらわ払わ。

Because I had insurance, I got by without paying expensive repair costs.

、はなさ話さ。

My senior explained on my behalf, so I didn't have to speak myself.

。

I'm glad we got through this time without suffering major damage.

なら、。

With this method, you can get by without having to go shopping.

、。

He apologized, so we managed to avoid a fight.

、ならば並ば。

Since you can do the procedure online, you don't have to line up at the counter.

、かわ買わ。

The rain stopped, so I got by without buying an umbrella.

、かか書か。

My boss forgave me, so I didn't have to write an incident report.

ひっこさ引っ越さだろう。

Isn't there some way to manage without having to move?

References

ずに済むBunpro