JLPT N5
てはいけない
Must not ~
Structure
Verb て-form はいけない
How it works
This grammar structure is used to express a prohibition, meaning 'you must not' or 'it is not allowed.' It is used for rules, warnings, or strong advice. In casual conversation, it is often shortened to '〜ちゃだめ' or '〜ちゃいけない.'
Examples
ここで写真を撮ってはいけません。
You must not take photos here.
夜遅くにコーヒーを飲んではいけません。
You must not drink coffee late at night.
テスト中、話してはいけません。
You must not talk during the test.
Common mistakes
Do not use the dictionary form (e.g., 飲むはいけない). You must always conjugate the verb into the 'te-form' before adding 'はいけない'.
Tip
To remember the meaning, think of 'ては' as pointing to the action and 'いけない' as 'it cannot go' or 'it’s no good.' Literally: 'As for doing [action], it is no good.'
More JLPT N5 grammar
See てはいけない in real Japanese
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