JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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must do
Category: Commands & Obligations
The grammar pattern ～なければならない expresses a strong obligation or duty to perform an action. It is often used to convey a sense of necessity or requirement. The speaker is emphasizing that something must be done, and it is not optional. This pattern is commonly used in formal or polite language, and it is often used in situations where there is a clear expectation or rule that must be followed.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Nai-form stem | Verb stem + kereba naranai | ～する (to do) becomes ～せばならない |
| Negative form of verb | Remove final 'i' from negative form, then add kereba naranai | ～ない (negative form of する) becomes ～なければならない |
| Dictionary form of verb | Not used directly; instead, use nai-form stem | ～する (dictionary form) is not used to form ～なければならない |
明日はテストがありますから、今晩勉強しなければならない。
Ashita wa tesuto ga arimasu kara, kyonen benkyou shina kereba naranai.
There is a test tomorrow, so we must study tonight.
明日はテストがありますから (There is a test tomorrow, so) + 今晩 (tonight) + 勉強しなければならない (must study)
病気ですから、毎日薬を飲まなければならない。
Byouki desu kara, mainichi kusuri o nomi kereba naranai.
Since I'm sick, I must take medicine every day.
病気ですから (Since I'm sick) + 毎日 (every day) + 薬を飲まなければならない (must take medicine)
漢字の練習ですから、毎日漢字を書く必要があります。
Kanji no renshuu desu kara, mainichi kanji o kaku hitsuyou ga arimasu.
Since it's kanji practice, we must write kanji every day.
漢字の練習ですから (Since it's kanji practice) + 毎日 (every day) + 漢字を書く必要があります (must write kanji)
～なければならない is used to express a strong obligation or duty. It is often used in formal or polite language, and it is commonly used in situations where there is a clear expectation or rule that must be followed. This pattern is not used to express permission or possibility, but rather to emphasize the necessity of an action.
～なくてもいい is used to express that something is not necessary, whereas ～なければならない emphasizes the necessity of an action.
～なればならない is not a valid pattern in Japanese grammar.
The dictionary form of a verb is not used to form ～なければならない; instead, the nai-form stem is used.
When using ～なければならない in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct nai-form stem and to emphasize the necessity of the action. Pay attention to the context and the tone of the sentence to ensure that you are using the correct pattern.
明日はテストがありますから、今晩______。
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