N2114/217

ずに済む

Vないで済むVないずに済むNで済む (not used with ずに)

Meanings

  • Get by without doing something
  • Avoid doing something and still be okay
  • Manage without (doing)

About this pattern

Explanation

ずに済む is used when you want to express that you were able to avoid doing something and still manage or cope. It emphasizes that the action was unnecessary, and the situation was resolved without that action. In many contexts, it suggests a relief or convenience because you didn’t have to perform the activity, often due to a solution, circumstance, or someone else helping. With verbs, the verb usually takes its negative form before ずに済む, or the alternative form ないで済む is used in more colloquial speech. Note that といった類の表現 with nouns often use で済む instead of ずに済む. Examples below show typical uses and nuance.

Learn in context

Example sentences

宿題をしずに済んだ。

I managed to get by without doing the homework.

お金が足りなくて、新しい靴を買わずに済んだ。

Money was tight, so I could get by without buying new shoes.

今日は会議の準備をせずに済んだ。

Today I was able to get by without preparing for the meeting.