日 日本語の国 Nihongo no Kuni: A little every day

N4 · GRAMMAIRE

Expressing obligations

Express something you must do.

The rule

ない without い + ければなりません: 行かない → 行かなければなりません. It is a polite expression of the obligation.

Examples

毎日まいにち、薬くすりを飲のまなければなりません。

I have to take my medication every day.

Remember

In everyday life

宿題をしなければなりません。

I have to do my homework.

明日は来なくてもいいです。

You don't have to come tomorrow.

Common mistake

なくてもいいです does not mean "don't do it"; the prohibition is expressed differently.

Keep studying

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