ずに

JLPT Level: N3

Meanings

Without doing

Without X being done

Not doing something and instead doing something else

Usage

V-ない形 + ずに

V-ない形 + ずに + [result clause]

Noun + の + ずに (less common; more typical with verbs)

Explanation

ずに attaches to the negative form of a verb to express doing something without carrying out the stated action. It emphasizes that the action was deliberately not performed, often leading to a different outcome or consequence. It is commonly used to describe situations where someone acts or reacts without performing a certain routine or expectation, or to contrast with what would normally be done. In many contexts, ずに is slightly more formal or written than 〜ないで, and it can sound natural in narratives or explanations.

朝ご飯を食べずに家を出た。

あさごはんをたべずにいえをでた。

I left the house without eating breakfast.

先生に聞かずにその場を去った。

せんせいにきかずにそのばをさった。

I left the scene without asking the teacher.

雨が降っているのに傘を持たずに出かけた。

あめがふっているのにかさをもたずにでかけた。

I went out without taking an umbrella even though it was raining.

国へ電話をせずに知らせてしまった。

くにへ　でんわを　せずに　しらせて　しまった。

I ended up letting him know without calling the country (without making a call).