Grammar Info

N5 Lesson 9: 9/13

なくてはならないMust do, Have to do

Also used to express duty or necessity. Click here if you are curious about なくて conjugation

Structure

Verb[ない+ なくては + ならない
Verb[ない+ なくちゃ + ならない

Details

  • Part of Speech

    Expression

  • Word Type

    Auxiliary Verb

  • Register

    Formal

About なくてはならない

Much like てはならない, なくてはならない states that something 'must not' be done. However, this is where the similarities end. なくてはならない is an example of a double negative in Japanese, and actually has the meaning '(A) must be done', or 'must do (A)'.

While this grammar point is usually translated as 'must do', the literal translation is 'must not, not do (A)'. This double 'not' is where many learners have difficulties. ならない simply means 'cannot become', and comes from the negative form of なる.

To use this structure, simply create the negative form of a verb, and then convert ない to なく (the conjunctive form of an い-Adjective), followed by . After this, is added, and then finally ならない.

ならない is considered to be the most formal structure out of ならない, いけない, and だめ. It is regularly used in formal writing, or semi-formal/formal speech. いけない (the most common variation) and だめ (the most casual variation) are also acceptable in many situations.

Caution

The ては in なくては is often shortened to ちゃ, as this is easier to say. なくちゃ may then be followed by ならない. However, due to ならない being quite formal, なくちゃ (a casual structure) will not be used with ならない on a regular basis. It is more common to see なくちゃ paired with いけない, or だめ.

These casual structures are very similar to words like 'gotta' in English.

Antonyms


Examples

--:--

    毎日(まいにち)勉強(べんきょう)しなくてはならない

    You must do your studies every day.

    (さん)()(はん)までに銀行(ぎんこう)()かなくてはならない

    By 3:30, I have to go to the bank.

    もう二時(にじ)ですまだ弁当(べんとう)()べてないです()べなくてはならない

    It's already two?! I haven't eaten my bento yet. I have to eat.

    京都(きょうと)電車(でんしゃ)()りなくてはならない

    I must get off the train in Kyoto.

    (きみ)()めなくてはならない

    You have to decide.

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なくてはならない – Grammar Discussion