must ~, have to ~

Intermediate

10-15 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses obligation or necessity. Something must be done.

[Verb ない-form without い] + ければなりません

宿題をしなければなりません。

Shukudai wo shinakereba narimasen.

I must do my homework.

早く起きなければなりません。

Hayaku okinakereba narimasen.

I have to wake up early.

Can be shortened to ～なきゃ in casual speech.

～なくてもいいです

don't have to ~, it's okay not to ~

です/だ

to be (copula)

は (wa)

topic marker

が (ga)

subject marker

を (wo)

direct object marker

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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