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Expressing prohibitions and moral obligations in formal contexts
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
The attributive (noun-modifying) form of 'べからず'. It describes a noun as being something that must not be done or is absolutely indispensable (as in '欠くべからざる').
Common mistakes
An archaic negative imperative used in formal notices, slogans, or warnings to indicate a strong prohibition. 'Suru' often becomes 'すべからず'. It is rarely used in spoken conversation.
Common mistakes
Expresses strong moral or professional condemnation of behavior that is inappropriate for someone in a specific position. It is most commonly used in the fixed phrase 'あるまじき' following a noun indicating status (e.g., 政治家としてあるまじき).
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
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