Sometimes, an action or excuse just isn’t enough. You need more than just an apology or simply paying back the cost. In Japanese, when something goes beyond a simple resolution, the phrase ではすまない is used. This formal grammar point signals that something won’t end or be resolved with just one action. It will take more.
ではすまない
It won’t end with just something or it won’t be enough to just do something
JLPT Level: N2
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How to Use It
Use ではすまない when one action or result is not enough to resolve a situation. This phrase suggests that greater effort, more serious consequences, or further action will be required. When using a verb, insert の before ではすまない. For added emphasis, you may also encounter the passive form ではすまされない, which stresses that even if someone tries, the matter cannot be settled that easily.
Usage Pattern
- Noun + ではすまない
- Verb (short form) + のではすまない
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Common expressions include X だけではすまない X なしではすまない X ずにはすまない
Example 1
謝るだけではすまないと思います。
あやまる だけ では すまない と おもいます。
Ayamaru dake de wa sumanai to omoimasu.
I think just apologizing won’t be enough.
Example 2
本を返さずにはすまない。
ほん を かえさず に は すまない。
Hon o kaesazu ni wa sumanai.
I have no choice but to return the book.
Example 3
会社のお金を使ったのだから、解雇だけではすまない。
かいしゃ の おかね を つかった の だから、かいこ だけ では すまない。
Kaisha no okane o tsukatta no dakara, kaiko dake de wa sumanai.
Since he used company money, just being fired won’t be enough.
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