Japanese grammar
What does ～ないでください mean? Japanese grammar N5
～ないでください means please don't ~.
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V ない (drop い) + でください |
| Romaji | ~ naide kudasai |
| Meaning | please don't ~ |
How to use it
Politely ask someone not to do something.
- Softer than てはいけません — it's a REQUEST, not a prohibition.
- Used when you want to stop someone from doing something while remaining polite.
Examples
ここに車を止めないでください。
Please do not park your car here.
心配しないでください。
Please do not worry.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong止めなくてください。
Correct止めないでください。
The "please don't" pattern uses ないで, not なくて.