JLPT N1 Grammar
· Advanced
Search pages and navigate
· Advanced
Must not (public signs/rules)
Category: Prohibition and Obligation
The grammar pattern "V-辞書形 + べからず" is used to indicate a strong prohibition or warning in formal notices, slogans, or warnings. It is an archaic negative imperative that emphasizes the importance of not performing a certain action. This pattern is rarely used in spoken conversation and is more commonly found in written formal language. The use of "べからず" conveys a sense of obligation or duty to avoid a particular action, making it a powerful tool for conveying strict rules or prohibitions.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-辞書形 | V-ます形 + べからず | 食べるべからず (Do not eat) |
| V-連用形 | V-た形 + べからず | 食べたべからず (Do not eat) |
| V-可能形 | V-られる形 + べからず | 食べられるべからず (Do not eat) |
公園の池の前に「魚を釣る______」という古い立て札がある。
Kōen no ike no mae ni "Sakana o tsuru su bekarazu" toiu kōi tate-saba ga aru.
There is an old notice board in front of the park's pond that says 'Do not fish'.
Kōen no ike no mae ni (in front of the park's pond) + "Sakana o tsuru su bekarazu" (do not fish)
武士道の教えには「卑怯な振る舞い、す______」と記されている。
Bujidō no oshie niwa "Hikyōna fureru mai, su bekarazu" to ki sarete iru.
The teachings of bushido include 'Do not behave in a cowardly manner'.
Bujidō no oshie niwa (in the teachings of bushido) + "Hikyōna fureru mai, su bekarazu" (do not behave in a cowardly manner)
掲示板に「関係者以外、立ち入る______」と大書されていた。
Kēji-ban niwa "Kankei-sha igai, tachi-iru bekarazu" to ōsho sarete iru.
On the notice board, it was written in large letters 'Do not enter except for authorized personnel'.
Kēji-ban niwa (on the notice board) + "Kankei-sha igai, tachi-iru bekarazu" (do not enter except for authorized personnel)
この道路には「速度超過、す______」と表示されている。
Kono dōro niwa "Sokudo chōka, su bekarazu" to hyōji sarete iru.
On this road, it is displayed 'Do not exceed the speed limit'.
Kono dōro niwa (on this road) + "Sokudo chōka, su bekarazu" (do not exceed the speed limit)
このホテルには「客室に火を灯す______」と記されている。
Kono hoteru niwa "Kyaku-shitsu ni hi o akasu bekarazu" to ki sarete iru.
In this hotel, it is written 'Do not light fires in the guest rooms'.
Kono hoteru niwa (in this hotel) + "Kyaku-shitsu ni hi o akasu bekarazu" (do not light fires in the guest rooms)
This pattern is used in formal notices, slogans, or warnings to indicate a strong prohibition or warning. It is an archaic negative imperative that emphasizes the importance of not performing a certain action. This pattern is rarely used in spoken conversation and is more commonly found in written formal language. The use of "べからず" conveys a sense of obligation or duty to avoid a particular action, making it a powerful tool for conveying strict rules or prohibitions.
This pattern is too formal for casual conversation and may sound awkward or unnatural.
The attributive form "べからざる" is used to describe a person or thing that is not prone to a certain action, whereas the imperative form "べからず" is used to prohibit a certain action.
The correct form "するべからず" is used to prohibit a certain action, whereas the incorrect form "すべからず" is not a valid verb form.
Pay attention to the context and the verb form used. This pattern is often used in formal notices, slogans, or warnings, so be prepared to recognize it in written text. Make sure to use the correct form "べからず" and not the attributive form "べからざる".
公園の池の前に「魚を釣る______」という古い立て札がある。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.