must do ~, have to do ~

Intermediate

25-30 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Expresses obligation or necessity.

[Negative form ない] → なければなりません

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.

Casual forms: ～なきゃ、～なくちゃ

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

～ことができます

can do ~, be able to do ~

Practice obligations: 宿題をしなければなりません。早く寝なければなりません。In casual speech: しなきゃ、寝なきゃ.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 15

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