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In this lesson, you will learn how to use the Japanese grammar 〜てはいけない.
You get on a crowded train in Japan and your cell phone starts ringing.
Without hesitation, you answer the phone and strike up a conversation with a friend from back home.
Unbeknownst to you, the passengers around you are exchanging uncomfortable glances.
Why?
In Japan, "大声で話してはいけない （おおごえで はなしては いけない）" is a basic rule of public transportation.
Talking loudly or making ringtones is considered annoying and disrespectful.
Let's study the grammar "〜てはいけない" in order to act in accordance with the rules.
👉<Use>
"〜てはいけない" is used to prohibit certain actions.
In English, it means "Do not 〜."
Polite form: ～てはいけません
The sentence "大声で話してはいけない" means "Do not talk loudly."
⚠This expression is very strong and is not often used directly against a person.
It is used to write notes on a sign or to explain a rule from a superior to a subordinate.
👉<Form>
To add "はいけない" to the "Verb てform".
Verb てform + はいけない
e.g. 大声で話してはいけません。
話します ⇒ 話して
💁Explanation of Verb てform ↓↓
👉<Examples>
1. この公園でたばこを吸ってはいけません。
Do not smoke in this park.
2. 教室で食事をしてはいけません。
Do not eat in the classroom.
3. 映画館で前の席を蹴ってはいけません。
Do not kick the seat in front of you at the movie theater.
4. 山にゴミを捨ててはいけません。
Do not dump garbage in the mountains.
5. 動物にエサをあげてはいけません。
Do not feed animals.
6. テストのとき、他の人のこたえを見てはいけません。
When taking a test, do not look at other people's answers.
7. 運転しているとき、スマートフォンを使ってはいけません。
Do not use your smart phone when you are driving.
Suggested Study Material
Minna no Nihongo I (Main Textbook)
This grammar point appears in Minna no Nihongo(Lesson15), 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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