〜ずにすむ/ないですむ/なくてすむ

Meaning

This pattern describes managing to avoid or get by without doing something, typically something undesirable or inconvenient. It expresses relief, luck, or preference when an action becomes unnecessary. The speaker emphasizes that things turned out well precisely because something didn't need to be done, often implying gratitude for the fortunate outcome.

Formation

Examples

1. 風邪が自然によくなって、病院に行かずにすんだ。
   My cold got better naturally, so I managed to avoid going to the hospital.

2. 強盗におそわれて危ないところに警察が来てくれて、命を失わずにすんだ。
   I was attacked by a robber, but the police arrived in time and I managed to avoid losing my life.

3. 銀行がお金を貸してくれたおかげで、会社は倒産せずに済んだ。
   Thanks to the bank lending us money, our company managed to avoid bankruptcy.

4. 入院せずに済む病気なら、できるだけ家で治療を受けたいです。
   If it's an illness that can be treated without hospitalization, I'd prefer to receive treatment at home as much as possible.

5. インターネットでさまざまの作り方を調べたので、料理の本を買わないで済んだ。
   I looked up various cooking methods on the internet, so I managed to avoid buying cookbooks.

Summary

• Expresses avoiding or managing without doing something undesirable or unnecessary
• Conveys positive emotions like relief, gratitude, or contentment about not needing to do something
• Formation: negative verb form + ずにすむ/ないですむ/なくてすむ; commonly used to express things working out well