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N4

てはいけません - must not do ~

〜てはいけません

Meaning

Prohibits an action - the stronger opposite of てもいいです.

Explanation

Attaching はいけません to a verb's て-form (usually contracted to ちゃいけません in casual speech) forbids the action, more firmly than a simple negative request.

Formation

Verb て-form + はいけません

Examples

  • ここでたばこを吸ってはいけません。

    ここでたばこをすってはいけません。

    You must not smoke here.

  • 授業中に寝てはいけません。

    じゅぎょうちゅうにねてはいけません。

    You must not sleep during class.

Grammar explanations and example sentences written for NihongoTech.