Grammar Info

N5 Lesson 9: 11/13

ない(ほう)がいい

It'd be better not to, Shouldn't do

Structure

Verb[ない]+ (ほう) + + いい

Details

  • Part of Speech

    Expression

  • Word Type

    Adjective

  • Register

    Standard

  • 品詞

    表現

  • 単語の種類

    形容詞

  • 使用域

    一般

About ないほうがいい

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 (ほう), the particle , and the い-Adjective, いい.
  • あそこ(あぶ)ないから()ない(ほう)がいい
    Because that place over there is dangerous, it would be better not to go there.
  • それ(さわ)ない(ほう)がいい
    It would be better not to mess with that. ((さわ)る has the nuance of 'mess around with', whereas ()れる is closer to simply 'touch')
As (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.
  • (むし)(はい)くるから(まど)()ない(ほう)がいい
    Because bugs will come in, it would be better not to open the window. (The negative consequence is that bugs will come inside)

Examples

  • これ(にい)ちゃん()ったピザだから()ない(ほう)がいい

    Since this is pizza my brother bought, it would be better not to eat it.

  • その(にく)()ない(ほう)がいい

    It'd be better not to eat that meat.

  • タバコを()ない(ほう)がいい

    It would be better not to smoke cigarettes.

  • (きたな)くならない(ほう)がいい

    It would be better not to become dirty.

  • 一人(ひとり)()ない(ほう)がいい

    It would be better not to go alone.

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ないほうがいい – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (20 in total)

  • bilowik

    bilowik

    Would using the polite non-past negative be grammatically incorrect, or just sound awkward? IE: その肉を食べませんほうがいい[です?]

  • nekoyama

    nekoyama

    It would be both incorrect and awkward

  • bilowik

    bilowik

    Thanks so much for the additional insight!

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