ない方(ほう)がいいIt'd be better not to, Shouldn't do

Structure

Verb［ない］+ 方(ほう) + が + いい

Like たほうがいい, ないほうがいい is used in Japanese for giving advice. However, this expression suggests that it is better 'not' to do something.

This phrase is constructed by using the negative form of a verb grouped with 方(ほう), the particle が, and the い-Adjective, いい.

As 方(ほう) can be translated closely to 'way', or 'direction', this expression is suggesting that one specific choice is simply the better 'way'.

This expression is quite direct, and can imply that there may be some sort of negative consequence if the (A) verb is done.

--:--

その肉(にく)を食(た)べないほうがいい。

It'd be better not to eat that meat.

タバコを吸(す)わないほうがいい。

It would be better not to smoke cigarettes.

汚(よご)れないほうがいい。

It would be better not to get dirty.

一人(ひとり)で行(い)かないほうがいい。

It would be better not to go alone.

毎日(まいにち)肉(にく)を食(た)べないほうがいい。

It would be better not to eat meat every day.

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Offline
- Genki I 2nd Edition
  Page 272
- みんなの日本語 II
  Page 48 [CH 32]
- Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
  Page 270
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Most Recent Replies (22 in total)

bilowik
Thanks so much for the additional insight!
torpedotaiyaki
What on earth is going on? I thought I was going crazy so I even took a screenshot. For the life of me I cannot figure out what is wrong.
Fuga
Hey @torpedotaiyaki !

This seemed like an error on our end, and we have just fixed this!

Thank you for letting us know about this!