Prohibition with 〜てはいけない

Express rules and prohibitions with 〜てはいけない and the polite form 〜てはいけません.

Say that an action is not allowed with 〜てはいけない.Recognize the more formal 〜てはいけません.Understand basic rule language in classrooms and public notices.

Guided study

Core pattern

Use 〜てはいけない or 〜てはいけません to say that something is not allowed. The 〜ません form is common in signs and formal speech.

ここで写真を撮ってはいけません。

You must not take pictures here.

〜てはいけません clearly states that the action is not allowed.

授業中に話してはいけない。

You must not talk during class.

〜てはいけない is the plain-style version of the same prohibition.

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Use the N5 Japanese grammar lessons guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.

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Use the Japanese grammar practice guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.