BackGrammar JLPT Level N5 - Lesson 19
Structure of なくてはならない:
Verb［ない］+ なくては + ならない
Verb［ない］+ なくちゃ + ならない
Details 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 て. After this, は is added, and then finally ならない.
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 て. After this, は is added, and then finally ならない.
- 私は次のバス停で降りなくてはならないです。I have to get off at the next bus stop. (I must not, not do it)
- トムはタカにお金を返さなくてはならないです。Tom must give back money to Taka. (He must not, not do it)
- 今日は漢字の勉強をしなくてはならないです。I have to study kanji today. (I must not, not do it)
- レポートを書かなくてはいけない。I must write a paper.
- 食べる前に手を洗わなくてはダメ。You must wash your hands before you eat.
なくてはならない
Usage Notes for なくてはならない:
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.
- 今日は沢山走ったからシャワーを浴びなくちゃならない。Because I ran a lot today, I must take a shower.
- バーベキューに肉を持って行かなくちゃいけない。I gotta bring meat to the barbeque.
- 冬になる前にキャンプに行かなくちゃだめだね。We gotta go camping before it becomes winter, right?
Synonyms for なくてはならない:
なくてはいけない
Must do, Have to do
なくちゃ・なきゃ
Must do, Have to do
なければいけない
Must do, Have to do
なければならない
Must do, Have to do
ないと
Must, Have to
ねばならない
Must, Have to, Should
てはいけない
Must not, May not
Example of なくてはならない
毎日勉強をしなくてはならない。
You must do your studies every day.
３時半までに、銀行に行かなくてはならない。
By 3:30, I have to go to the bank.
もう二時ですか！まだお弁当食べてないです。食べなくてはならない。
It's already two?! I haven't eaten my bento yet. I have to eat.
京都で電車を降りなくてはならない。
I must get off the train in Kyoto.
君が決めなくてはならないよ。
You have to decide.
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