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ずじまい

Ended up not doing … / Failed to do … (in the end)

This grammar expresses that someone intended or expected to do something but never did, and the situation ended that way.

N1

Meaning

Ended up not doing … / Failed to do … (in the end)

This grammar expresses that someone intended or expected to do something but never did, and the situation ended that way.

Formation

Verb (ない-form → ず) + じまい
Verb (ない-form → ず) + じまい + だ / だった

Explanation

ずじまい describes a situation where:

  • There was an opportunity or intention to do something

  • But it never happened

  • And the matter ended that way

Core idea:

  • “In the end, I didn’t do it.”

  • “It remained undone.”

  • “It finished without being done.”

Important nuance:

  • Often expresses:

    • regret

    • disappointment

    • unfinished intention

  • Frequently refers to:

    • personal actions

    • missed chances

    • postponed tasks

Tone:

  • Neutral to slightly regretful

  • Used in spoken and written Japanese

  • Common in JLPT N2–N1 contexts