GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜てはいけない
Follows a verb in connective form to indicate that an action is not permitted.
Examples
図書館で大きな声を出してはいけません。
You must not speak loudly in the library.
Words used
授業中に携帯電話を使ってはならない。
You must not use a cell phone during class.
Words used
この川で泳いではいけません。
You must not swim in this river.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
はいけないafter a verb'sてform. The polite form isはいけません. - Basic usage:
この川で泳いではいけません。prohibits swimming in this river.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Connective form and the reading of は
- Retain each verb's connective form, as in
出してはいけませんand泳いではいけません. The particleはhere is readわ.
- Retain each verb's connective form, as in
- ならない and rules
使ってはならないalso expresses prohibition and suits rules or firm instructions.使わないでくださいfocuses on a request not to perform the same action.