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prohibitive form (~na)
Definition
The prohibitive form (~na) is a strong command to not do something. It is used in signs, emergencies, or by people in authority to emphasize the importance of not performing a certain action. This form is considered blunt and rude when used with superiors, and it's essential to use it correctly to avoid misunderstandings. The prohibitive form is often used in situations where safety is a concern, such as warning people about potential dangers or hazards.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form of a verb | Verb + na | 食べる (taberu) + na = 食べない (tabenai) |
| Irregular verbs | Check the dictionary form of irregular verbs | 来る (kuru) + na = 来ない (kunai) |
| Verbs ending in -u | Change -u to -nu | する (suru) + na = するな (sunai) |
Examples
工事現場に看板があった。「危ないから食べない。"
Kouji genba ni kanban ga atta. "Ayau na kara tabenai."
There was a sign at the construction site. "Be careful, don't eat."
工事現場に看板があった (There was a sign at the construction site) + 危ないから (Be careful) + 食べない (don't eat)
先生が怒って「嘘を言うな！」と言いました。
Sensei ga okotte "Usou o iunana!" to ittemashita.
The teacher got angry and said, "Don't lie!"
先生が怒って (The teacher got angry) + 嘘を言うな (don't lie) + と言いました (said)
壁に「ここに落書きをしないように」と書いてあります。
Kabe ni "Koko ni rakugaki o shinai you ni" to kaitte arimasu.
It is written on the wall, "Don't write graffiti here."
壁に (on the wall) + ここに落書きをしないように (don't write graffiti here) + と書いてあります (is written)
「車を止めるな！」と警官が叫んだ。
「Kuruma o tomernana!」 to keikan ga sakebana.
The police officer shouted, "Don't stop the car!"
「車を止めるな！」 (Don't stop the car) + と警官が (the police officer) + 叫んだ (shouted)
Context
The prohibitive form is used in formal situations, such as in signs, emergencies, or by people in authority. It is considered blunt and rude when used with superiors, so it's essential to use it correctly to avoid misunderstandings. This form is often used in situations where safety is a concern, such as warning people about potential dangers or hazards.
Watch out
The nai-form is used to form negative sentences, but it's not the same as the prohibitive form. The prohibitive form is used to give a strong command to not do something, while the nai-form is used to express a general negative statement.
The prohibitive form is considered blunt and rude when used with superiors, so it's essential to use a more polite form to avoid misunderstandings.
The particle 'na' is used to emphasize a statement, but it's not the same as the prohibitive form. The prohibitive form is used to give a strong command to not do something, while the particle 'na' is used to emphasize a statement.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the relationship between the speaker and the listener. The prohibitive form is often used in formal situations, so be careful not to use it in informal situations. Also, be aware of the nuances of the prohibitive form and use it correctly to avoid misunderstandings.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 禁止形 used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
工事現場に看板があった。「危ないから入るな。」
Pattern used: 入るな
On signs or in dangerous areas, the prohibitive form (dictionary form + na) is used to forbid entry.
先生が怒って「嘘をつくな！」と言いました。
Pattern used: つくな
When someone is very angry or strictly forbidding an action, the prohibitive form is used.
壁に「ここに落書きをするな」と書いてあります。
Pattern used: するな
Public notices often use the prohibitive form to strongly forbid certain behaviors like graffiti.
Interactive
工事現場に看板があった。「危ないから______。」
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.