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Grammar JLPT Level N4 - Lesson 26

Structure of なければならない:

Verb[ない] + ければ + ならない
Verb[ない] + 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 , creating なければ (if not). After this, ならない (to not become) will be added to the end.
  • 仕事(しごと)なければならない
    I must do my work.
  • 先輩(せんぱい)部屋(へや)(はい)()たら()挨拶(あいさつ)なければならない
    If your senpai comes into the room, you must stand and greet them.
As we 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 ならない.
  • 今日(きょう)(かえ)(おそ)くなったら(つま)(おこ)れるから、もうすぐ(かえ)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(きょう)家事(かじ)やらなきゃならないから()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

たくない(とき)でも宿題(しゅくだい)なければならない

Even when you don't want to, you have to do your homework.

飛行機(ひこうき)()りたいなら空港(くうこう)()なければならない

If you want to ride an airplane, you have to go to the airport.

先生(せんせい)(はなし)()なければならない

You have to listen to the teacher (talk).

(かみ)()(なが)から()なければならない

My hair is long, so I have to cut it.

(あたら)しいノート()なければならないかもしれない

I might have to buy a new notebook.

Grammar same lesson

様(よう)に言(い)う

To tell, request, or order to do (in such a way)
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~ている所(ところ)だ

In the process of doing ~ right now/at this moment
See detailsreport

~たばかり

Just did, Something just happened
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様(よう)にする

To try to, To make sure to, To endeavor to
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様(よう)に祈(いの)る

Pray that/for, Hope that/for, Keep fingers crossed that
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