What it means
ずに expresses doing one action without doing another action first or at the same time. It attaches to the negative stem of a verb, which is the form made by removing ない from the plain negative form. The action before ずに is not performed, while the main action is performed. This pattern is common in writing and careful speech.
Usage note
ずに is more formal or written than ないで, although it can also appear in polite sentences. For する, the special form is せずに.
How to use it
朝ご飯を食べずに、私は学校へ行きました。
I went to school without eating breakfast.
朝ご飯を食べずに、私は学校へ行った。
I went to school without eating breakfast.
Example sentences
朝ご飯を食べずに、学校へ行きました。
I went to school without eating breakfast.
彼は電気を消さずに部屋を出ました。
He left the room without turning off the lights.
説明書を読まずに、この機械を使ってはいけません。
You must not use this machine without reading the instructions.