【JLPT N1 Grammar Point 7】
As you tackle more sophisticated Japanese, you’ll find grammar structures that express not just actions, but the circumstances behind them—particularly those that are unavoidable or out of your control.
One such formal and often businesslike structure is:
🌟 ～を余儀なくされる
Meaning:
- To be forced to do…
- To have no choice but to…
- To be compelled to… due to unavoidable reasons
This grammar is often used in written Japanese, especially in news, formal reports, academic texts, or high-level business conversations.
🔧 Grammar Structure
[Noun (usually a verbal noun)] + を余儀なくされる
📌 “余儀” means “alternative measures.” So this expression literally means, “No other options could be taken.”
📝 Also used in the active form:
～を余儀なくする = Force (someone) to do…
✅ Example Sentences
1. 地震の影響で、工場は操業停止を余儀なくされた。
(Due to the earthquake, the factory was forced to shut down operations.)
▶ Unavoidable cause (natural disaster) forced a major action.
2. 雨のため、試合は中止を余儀なくされた。
(Due to rain, the game had to be cancelled.)
▶ A polite, formal way of stating the cancellation was necessary.
3. 財政悪化により、政府は増税を余儀なくされる見通しだ。
(Due to worsening finances, the government is expected to be forced to raise taxes.)
▶ Used in news or policy statements.
4. 彼の辞職は、会社側に大幅な人事異動を余儀なくさせた。
(His resignation forced the company to make major personnel changes.)
▶ Active voice version: ～を余儀なくする.
🧠 Common Nouns Used Before This Grammar
| Noun (Verbal) | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| 中止 | Cancellation |
| 撤退 | Withdrawal |
| 解雇 | Dismissal |
| 移動 | Transfer |
| 決断 | Decision |
| 改善 | Reform / improvement |
| 延期 | Postponement |
| 閉鎖 | Closure |
These are usually serious, institutional-level actions that reflect something reluctantly necessary.
🔄 Comparison with Similar Grammar
| Expression | Nuance | Formality |
|---|---|---|
| ～ざるを得ない | I have no choice but to… | Moderate |
| ～しかない | There’s no other option | Casual |
| ～を余儀なくされる | Forced by external circumstance | Formal, written |
✍️ Practice Challenge
Translate the following using ～を余儀なくされる:
- The company was forced to lay off 200 employees.
- Due to a scandal, the minister had no choice but to resign.
- Because of financial losses, we had to withdraw from the market.
- The typhoon forced the event’s cancellation.
🧠 (Answers at the bottom!)
✨ Use in Real Life
You’ll see this grammar used in:
- Newspapers and business reports
- Political and legal statements
- Academic essays
- High-level presentations
Try it in a sentence like:
コストの増加により、製品価格の引き上げを余儀なくされました。
(We were forced to raise product prices due to rising costs.)
🏁 Summary
| Grammar Point | ～を余儀なくされる |
|---|---|
| Meaning | To be forced / compelled to do something |
| Form | Noun (verbal) + を余儀なくされる |
| Use | Formal, external cause, news/business writing |
| Related | ～ざるを得ない (more personal) |
✅ Practice Answers
- 会社は200人の解雇を余儀なくされた。
- スキャンダルの影響で、大臣は辞任を余儀なくされた。
- 財政赤字により、市場からの撤退を余儀なくされた。
- 台風のため、イベントの中止を余儀なくされた。
📘 Coming Next: ～をもって – Formal time markers or means/standards used in official communication.
