〜を余儀なくされる
Be Forced to
Used in formal writing or news to describe a situation where someone is compelled to take an action they don't want to take because of external pressure (like disasters or accidents).
How It Works
〜を余儀なくされる is a high-level formal expression (JLPT N1 level) used primarily in journalism, reports, and formal speeches. It emphasizes that the subject had no alternative but to change their plans or take a specific action due to a shift in the situation.
Key Characteristics:
- Register: Very formal and literary. It is not used in daily conversation.
- Nuance: It usually implies a negative or regrettable outcome, such as a cancellation, withdrawal, or reduction.
- Structure: It typically follows a noun representing an action (e.g., 中止, 延期, 撤退).
Grammar Note:
This pattern uses the passive voice (される). The subject of the sentence is the person or organization that is forced to act. If you want to focus on the cause that is forcing the action, you would use the causative form 〜を余儀なくさせる.
Examples (4)
- 台風の接近により、主催者はイベントの中止を余儀なくされた。
Due to the approaching typhoon, the organizers were forced to cancel the event.
Word by Word: Typhoon's approach due to, organizers (topic) event's cancellation (object) other-means-without-was-made-to-do.
The external factor (typhoon) left the organizers with no choice but to cancel.
- 不況の影響で、その企業は大幅な人員削減を余儀なくされている。
Due to the recession, the company is being forced to make significant staff cuts.
Word by Word: Recession's influence by, that company (topic) large-scale staff reduction (object) other-means-without-is-being-made-to-do.
The continuous state of the recession is forcing the company into a regrettable action.
- 怪我のため、彼は現役引退を余儀なくされた。
Due to injury, he was forced to retire from active play.
Word by Word: Injury because of, he (topic) active-service retirement (object) other-means-without-was-made-to-do.
An unavoidable physical circumstance (injury) compelled the athlete to retire.
- 資金不足のため、計画の変更を余儀なくされた。
Due to a lack of funds, we were forced to change the plan.
Word by Word: Funds lack because of, plan's change (object) other-means-without-was-made-to-do.
Shows that the change was not voluntary but necessitated by financial constraints.
Common Mistakes
Confusing the passive (される) with the causative (させる).
大雨が住民に避難を余儀なくされた。住民は大雨で避難を余儀なくされた。In the passive form (される), the subject must be the one experiencing the compulsion (the residents). If the subject is the cause (the rain), you must use the causative form させる.
Using the pattern for trivial personal choices.
雨が降ったので、家で宿題を余儀なくされた。雨が降ったので、家で宿題をすることにした。This pattern is too heavy and formal for everyday situations like doing homework. It is reserved for serious, large-scale, or life-altering events.
How It Connects
Learn This First
〜を余儀なくされる is a formal expression meaning 'to be forced to' or 'to be compelled to'. It combines the noun 'yogi' (alternative/choice), the negative 'naku' (without), and the passive form of 'suru' (sareru). To understand it, you need to be familiar with the passive voice and how the object marker 'wo' functions in this specific construction.
Related Patterns
- を余儀なくさせるForce into
The causative version where the subject is the 'cause' that forces someone else to act.
Level 4 - ざるを得ないCannot Help but
A similar expression meaning 'cannot help but' or 'have no choice but,' though it focuses more on the internal logic or necessity of the subject.
Level 3 - しかないHave No Choice but
A more common, less formal way to say 'have no choice but to do X.'
Level 3 - によってBy/depending on
Often used in the same sentence to indicate the cause or reason for the forced action.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice 〜を余儀なくされる in Bubblegum
Poppy, your AI tutor, writes Japanese lessons at your level. Tap any grammar point in a lesson to see its full explanation.
