Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 26
Structure of なければならない:
Verb[ない] + なければ + ならない
Verb[ない] + なきゃ + ならない
Details about なければならない:
Like なければいけない, なければならない 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 become', 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, ならない (to not become) will be added to the end.
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, ならない (to not become) will be added to the end.
- 仕事はしなければならない。I must do my work.
- 先輩が部屋に入って来たら立って挨拶をしなければならない。If your senpai comes into the room, you must stand and greet them.
- 今日も帰りが遅くなったら妻に怒られるから、もうすぐ帰らなきゃ。My wife is going to scold me if I come home late today too, so I have to go home soon.
- 今日は家事をやらなきゃならないから出かけられない。I have to do some chores today, so I can't go out.
なければならない
Usage Notes for なければならない:
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 for なければならない:
なくちゃ・なきゃ
Must do, Have to do
なくてはいけない
Must do, Have to do
なくてはならない
Must do, Have to do
ないと
Must, Have to
ことだ
Should, Ought
ねばならない
Must, Have to, Should
なければいけない
Must do, Have to do
てはいけない
Must not, May not
べきではない
Should not, Must not , Ought not to
てはならない
Must not, Cannot, Should not
Example of なければならない
したくない時でも、宿題をしなければならない。
Even when you don't want to, you have to do your homework.
飛行機に乗りたいなら、空港に行かなければならない。
If you want to ride an airplane, you have to go to the airport.
先生の話を聞かなければならないよ。
You have to listen to the teacher (talk).
髪の毛が長いから、切らなければならない。
My hair is long, so I have to cut it.
新しいノートを買わなければならないかもしれない。
I might have to buy a new notebook.
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