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In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Japanese demonstratives ～なければならない.
You're a company employee. A senior colleague invited you out for drinks tonight. But tomorrow you have an important meeting with a key client, and tonight you need to prepare materials. In such a situation, you say: “すみません。会議の資料を作らなければなりません。”
Today, let's study “～なければならない”.
👉<Use>
The expression "〜なければならない" is used to express that it is necessary to do the action.
In English, it is "must" or "have to".
Polite form: ～なければなりません
“すみません。会議の資料を作らなければなりません。”means “I'm sorry. I have to prepare materials for meeting.”.
👉<Form>
To add "なければならない" to the "verb ない form".
verb ないform ＋ なければならない
💁Verb ないform（どうし ない形（けい））
👉<Examples>
1. 3時から会議ですから、準備をしなければなりません。
I have a meeting at 3:00, so I have to get ready.
2. A：遊びに行きませんか？
B：すみません、今日は宿題をしなければなりません。
A: Would you like to go out for fun?
B: Sorry, I have to do my homework today.
3. 次のお客さまが来ますから、テーブルの上をふかなければなりません。
The next customer is coming, so I have to wash the table tops.
4. 部屋が汚いですから、掃除しなければなりません。
The room is dirty, so I have to clean it.
5. 冷蔵庫の中になにもありませんから、スーパーへ行かなければなりません。
There is nothing in the refrigerator, so you have to go to the supermarket.
6. 明日は早く会社へ行きますから、6時に起きなければなりません。
I have to get up at 6:00 a.m. because I have to go to work early tomorrow.
7. 来週試験ですから、勉強しなければなりません。
I have to study because I have an exam next week.
Suggested Study Material
Minna no Nihongo I (Main Textbook)
This grammar point appears in Minna no Nihongo(Lesson ), one of the most widely used beginner textbooks for Japanese learners.
Check textbook detailsThe main textbook is written mostly in Japanese, so many learners also use the Translation & Grammar Notes together.
Minna no Nihongo I – Translation & Grammar Notes (English)
Check translation & grammar book※Minna no Nihongo is available worldwide on Amazon. If the link does not work in your country, you can search the title on your local Amazon store.
Speaking Practice
Practice Japanese on italki
If you want to practice this grammar in real conversation, learning with a tutor can help you improve faster. Many learners find that regular speaking practice is the fastest way to become confident in Japanese.
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