Structure
Verb[ない] + なければ + いけない
Verb[ない] + なきゃ + いけない
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Formal
About なければいけない
Like なくてはいけない, なければいけない is a structure that implies that something 'must be done'. However, it is important to remember that this is actually a double negative, and therefore means 'If (A) is not done, it cannot go', or more simply '(A) cannot not be done'.
To make this construction, the auxiliary verb ない will need to be conjugated with ば, creating なければ (if not). After this, いけない (to not be able to go) will be added to the end.
As learned in the なきゃ lesson, なければ may be shortened to なきゃ. This structure is frequently used either with or without the added いけない.
Caution
While いけない (to not be able to go) and ならない (to not become) are quite similar, ならない will rarely be used outside of formal situations, or in writing. Due to this, いけない will be heard much more frequently in speech (when it is not omitted).
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
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仕事に行かなければいけない。
I have to go to work.
冬になったら、暖房をつけなければいけません。
When winter comes, I will have to turn on the heater.
覚えにくいけど、覚えなければいけません。
It is difficult to remember, but I must remember.
すごく汚れたから洗わなければいけない。
Because it is very dirty, I must wash it.
彼に会いたくないけど、会わなければいけません。
I don't want to see him, but I must (meet him).
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Genki I 2nd Edition
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Tae Kim's Japanese Grammar Guide
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