Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Form and meaning
Use 〜 to mean “do not have to.”
Start with the example
。
You do not have to go to school today.
This means going is optional today.
Notice the variation
。
You do not have to answer all the questions.
removes the requirement to answer all of them; it does not prohibit answering.
More detail: how to apply this
Use 〜 to say that an action is not necessary.
It means “do not have to” or “it is okay not to.”
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Keep any time limit attached to permission not to act; later instructions can still require the action.
asks for submission tomorrow. The permission to wait has a time limit in this sentence.
、。
You do not have to hand in the homework today, but please submit it tomorrow.
Keep any time limit attached to permission not to act; later instructions can still require the action.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
You do not have to go to school today.
This means going is optional today.
Vocabulary notes
- いい
- good; nice; okay
Compare in context
。
You do not have to answer all the questions.
removes the requirement to answer all of them; it does not prohibit answering.
Compare in context
。
You do not have to come early tomorrow.
This can also talk about future plans or schedules.
Vocabulary notes
- いい
- good; nice; okay
Section 2 of 4
Optional is not the same as forbidden
Optional is not the same as forbidden
Start with the example
。
You do not have to take the medicine today.
There is no need to take the medicine today.
Notice the variation
。
You do not have to take off your shoes here.
The action is optional, not forbidden.
More detail: how to apply this
〜 means something is optional.
It does not mean the action is prohibited.
That is why it is useful to compare it with prohibition patterns.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
You do not have to take the medicine today.
There is no need to take the medicine today.
。
You do not have to take the medicine today.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: You do not have to take the medicine today.
Showing Optional is not the same as forbidden: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
You do not have to take the medicine today.
There is no need to take the medicine today.
Vocabulary notes
- いい
- good; nice; okay
Preview
。
You do not have to take off your shoes here.
The action is optional, not forbidden.
Vocabulary notes
- ここで
- here; at this place
Preview
、。
But you must not eat here.
This is different: it means the action is not allowed.
Vocabulary notes
- ここで
- here; at this place
- 食べて
- eat and...
Section 3 of 4
Read the whole pattern together
Keep any time limit attached to permission not to act; later instructions can still require the action.
Read the whole pattern together
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Today’s submission is not required. allows leaving it until later; it does not forbid submitting today.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Do not translate the negative part by itself.
Read 〜 as one full pattern meaning “do not have to.”
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because I do not have to get up early on Saturday, I rest at home.
Not needing to get up early is the stated reason before ; resting at home is the resulting choice. The sentence does not explain why the early start is unnecessary.
、。
Because I do not have to get up early on Saturday, I rest at home.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because I do not have to get up early on Saturday, I rest at home.
Showing Read the whole pattern together: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Because I do not have to get up early on Saturday, I rest at home.
Not needing to get up early is the stated reason before ; resting at home is the resulting choice. The sentence does not explain why the early start is unnecessary.
Vocabulary notes
- 土曜日
- Saturday
Preview
。
You do not have to write your name yet.
helps show that the action can wait.
Vocabulary notes
- いい
- good; nice; okay
Preview
、。
You do not have to hand in the homework today, but please submit it tomorrow.
The first action is optional today, but the second instruction still gives a deadline.
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
permits omission, not necessarily the action's prohibition;
forbids.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
permits omission, not necessarily the action's prohibition; forbids.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Need not come / must not come
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.