Japanese grammar
What does ～なければなりません mean? Japanese grammar N5
～なければなりません means must ~ (obligation).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N5 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V ない (drop ない) + なければなりません |
| Romaji | ~ nakereba narimasen |
| Meaning | must ~ (obligation) |
How to use it
Express obligation, something required.
- From the ない form: 行かない → 行かなければなりません.
- Literally means "if you don't do it, it won't be okay" — so it sounds fairly heavy, carrying a sense of obligation.
- Often shortened in spoken language: ～なきゃ / ～ないと.
- The opposite is ～なくてもいいです (don't have to ~).
Examples
明日までにレポートを出さなければなりません。
I must submit the report by tomorrow.
毎日薬を飲まなければなりません。
I must take medicine every day.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong行くなければなりません。
Correct行かなければなりません。
This pattern is built from the ない form (行かない), not the dictionary form.