Prohibition or Something That Should Not Be Done: てはいけない
In Japanese, the phrase "てはいけない" is a fundamental expression used to indicate prohibition or something that should not be done. It's essential for basic communication, as it helps set boundaries and rules. This post will explain the "てはいけない" structure, along with related grammatical expressions, to provide a comprehensive understanding of prohibitive expressions in Japanese.
"てはいけない" Structure
"てはいけない" is formed by adding "て" form of a verb followed by "はいけない." This structure is used to tell someone that they must not do something. It can be translated to "must not" or "should not" in English.
たばこ を すって はいけない。 - You must not smoke.
Verb Form Example Meaning て Form + はいけない すって はいけない Must not smoke て Form + はいけません すって はいけません Must not smoke (formal)
Related Structures
- "てはならない" is a more formal expression compared to "てはいけない." It is used in formal writing or speeches and means "must not" or "should not." While "てはいけない" can be used in everyday conversation, "てはならない" is typically reserved for written rules or formal contexts.
ここ で とまって はならない。 - You must not stop here.
Verb Form Example Meaning て Form + はならない とまって はならない Must not stop
- "てはだめ" is a more casual way of saying "you must not." It is commonly used in spoken language, especially among friends and family. It carries a softer tone compared to "てはいけない."
ここ で あそんで はだめ。 - You must not play here.
Verb Form Example Meaning て Form + はだめ あそんで はだめ Must not play
Politeness and Variations
The prohibitive expressions vary in politeness depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers. "てはいけません" is the polite form of "てはいけない," often used in formal situations or with strangers.
ここ に すわって はいけません。 - You must not sit here.
Politeness Expression Example Meaning Casual てはだめ あそんで はだめ Must not play Informal てはいけない すわって はいけない Must not sit Formal てはいけません すわって はいけません Must not sit (formal) Very Formal てはならない とまって はならない Must not stop
Understanding the different ways to express prohibition in Japanese, such as "てはいけない," "てはならない," and "てはだめ," is crucial for clear and effective communication. Each expression has its own level of formality and appropriate usage, making it essential to choose the right one based on the situation. By mastering these structures, you'll be able to convey rules and prohibitions accurately, whether in casual conversation or formal contexts.
![Modal Image]()
In Japanese, the phrase "てはいけない" is a fundamental expression used to indicate prohibition or something that should not be done. It's essential for basic communication, as it helps set boundaries and rules. This post will explain the "てはいけない" structure, along with related grammatical expressions, to provide a comprehensive understanding of prohibitive expressions in Japanese.
"てはいけない" Structure
"てはいけない" is formed by adding "て" form of a verb followed by "はいけない." This structure is used to tell someone that they must not do something. It can be translated to "must not" or "should not" in English.
たばこ を すって はいけない。 - You must not smoke.
| Verb Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| て Form + はいけない | すって はいけない | Must not smoke |
| て Form + はいけません | すって はいけません | Must not smoke (formal) |
Related Structures
- "てはならない" is a more formal expression compared to "てはいけない." It is used in formal writing or speeches and means "must not" or "should not." While "てはいけない" can be used in everyday conversation, "てはならない" is typically reserved for written rules or formal contexts.
ここ で とまって はならない。 - You must not stop here.
| Verb Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| て Form + はならない | とまって はならない | Must not stop |
- "てはだめ" is a more casual way of saying "you must not." It is commonly used in spoken language, especially among friends and family. It carries a softer tone compared to "てはいけない."
ここ で あそんで はだめ。 - You must not play here.
| Verb Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| て Form + はだめ | あそんで はだめ | Must not play |
Politeness and Variations
The prohibitive expressions vary in politeness depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers. "てはいけません" is the polite form of "てはいけない," often used in formal situations or with strangers.
ここ に すわって はいけません。 - You must not sit here.
| Politeness | Expression | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casual | てはだめ | あそんで はだめ | Must not play |
| Informal | てはいけない | すわって はいけない | Must not sit |
| Formal | てはいけません | すわって はいけません | Must not sit (formal) |
| Very Formal | てはならない | とまって はならない | Must not stop |
Understanding the different ways to express prohibition in Japanese, such as "てはいけない," "てはならない," and "てはだめ," is crucial for clear and effective communication. Each expression has its own level of formality and appropriate usage, making it essential to choose the right one based on the situation. By mastering these structures, you'll be able to convey rules and prohibitions accurately, whether in casual conversation or formal contexts.