Japanese grammar
What does ～てはいけません mean? Japanese grammar N5
～てはいけません means must not ~ (prohibition).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V て + はいけません |
| Romaji | ~ te wa ikemasen |
| Meaning | must not ~ (prohibition) |
How to use it
A prohibition, stating a rule.
- This is a STRONG prohibition — usually used for rules, signs, or a superior speaking to a subordinate.
- Between equals, a softer expression is better: 「ちょっと…」 or 「～ないでください」.
- In spoken language, shortened to ～ちゃいけません.
Examples
ここでタバコを吸ってはいけません。
You must not smoke here.
教室で食べてはいけません。
You must not eat in the classroom.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong（with friends）タバコを吸ってはいけません。
Correct（with friends）タバコはちょっと…
てはいけません is a strong prohibition, which sounds condescending with friends; Japanese people usually soften it.