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In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Japanese grammar ～ないでください.
Picture this:
You're in a vibrant theme park, surrounded by thrilling rides and colorful attractions. The sun is shining, and laughter echoes all around.
As you're enjoying the atmosphere, you notice a sign near a delicate-looking sculpture that reads, "触らないでください（さわらないでください）".
How do you ensure you're a respectful visitor, especially if you're not entirely sure of the local customs?
Let's learn about "～ないでください".
👉<Use>
"～ないでください" is used to ask someone not to do something.
In English, it means "please don't."
Back in the sculpture garden, you are standing in front of a masterpiece. This sculpture may break if you touch it.
Therefore, a sign on a sticker says, "この彫刻（ちょうこく）に触（さわ）らないでください。" (Please do not touch this sculpture).
👉<Form>
To add "ないでください" to the verb ないform.
Verb ないform + ないでください
e.g. 触らないでください。
触ります ⇒ 触ら(ない)
💁Explanation of Verb ないform（どうし ない形（けい））↓↓
👉<Examples>
1. ミュージアム内で写真を撮らないでください。
Please don't take photos inside the museum.
2. 電車の中で携帯電話を使わないでください。
Please refrain from using your mobile phone on the train.
3. このエリアでは飲食物を持ち込まないでください。
Please don't bring food or drinks into this area.
4. プールサイドで走らないでください。
Please don't run inside the pool area.
5. キャラクターショー中は、ステージに上がらないでください。
Please don't go up on the stage during the character show.
6. 他のお客様の迷惑にならないように、大きな声で話さないでください。
Please do not speak loudly so as not to disturb other customers.
7. このエリアは禁煙ですので、タバコを吸わないでください。
This area is non-smoking, so please don't smoke.
8. 危険ですから、この窓を開けないでください。
Please do not open this window, as it is dangerous.
Suggested Study Material
Minna no Nihongo I (Main Textbook)
This grammar point appears in Minna no Nihongo(Lesson17), 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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