Zu

See te_form_negative

In Japanese grammar, "zu" and "zu ni" are forms that indicate negative actions, often translated as "without doing" something. Here's a detailed explanation of each: "Zu" (ず)

"Zu" is used to express "without doing" something. It's a negative form that can be attached to the stem of a verb.

It's typically used in written or formal contexts.

Formation:

Take the verb stem (remove the ます form of the verb).

Add "zu" (ず).

Examples:

食べる (taberu, to eat) -> 食べず (tabezu, without eating)

行く (iku, to go) -> 行かず (ikazu, without going)

見る (miru, to see) -> 見ず (mizu, without seeing)

"Zu ni" (ずに)

"Zu ni" is also used to express "without doing" something. It’s very similar to "zu" but is more common in both spoken and written Japanese.
It's often used in more conversational contexts compared to "zu."

Formation:

Take the verb stem (remove the ます form of the verb).

Add "zu ni" (ずに).

Examples:

食べる (taberu, to eat) -> 食べずに (tabezu ni, without eating)

行く (iku, to go) -> 行かずに (ikazu ni, without going)

見る (miru, to see) -> 見ずに (mizu ni, without seeing)

Differences and Usage

"Zu" is often used at the end of a clause or a sentence, whereas "zu ni" is used in the middle of a sentence to connect clauses.

"Zu" is more formal and is seen in written texts such as literature, essays, and formal speeches.

"Zu ni" is more versatile and can be used in everyday conversation as well as in written texts.

Examples in Sentences:

彼は食べずに寝ました (Kare wa tabezu ni nemashita) - He went to sleep without eating.

宿題をせずに遊んでばかりいる (Shukudai o sezu ni asonde bakari iru) - He just keeps playing without doing his homework.

彼女は何も言わず、部屋を出て行った (Kanojo wa nanimo iwazu, heya o dete itta) - She left the room without saying anything.

In summary, both "zu" and "zu ni" are used to express actions not being done, with "zu" being slightly more formal and "zu ni" being more common in conversational Japanese.