〜てはいけない

N5

〜てはいけない

-te wa ikenai

Must not

N5

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Explanation

〜てはいけない expresses prohibition. It means “you must not …” or “it is not allowed to …”. It is made with the verb’s て-form + は + いけない. Key points: • Verb て-form + はいけない • Strong prohibition or rule • Polite form: 〜てはいけません / 〜てはいけないです • Often used for rules and warnings For example, “ここでタバコを吸ってはいけません” means “You must not smoke here.” This pattern is strong, so use it for rules or strict advice. For softer language, people might say だめです, but てはいけない is clear and direct. Remember: て-form + は + いけない. It is the opposite of 〜てもいい (permission). As a beginner, use it in set phrases and rules you often see: “入ってはいけません” (Do not enter), “食べてはいけません” (You must not eat).

Structure

Pattern
Verb (て-form) + はいけない
Verb (て-form)Action that is not allowed
Examples: 入って, 吸って, 食べて
はいけないProhibition phrase
Examples: はいけない, はいけません

Examples

Example 1
ここでタバコを吸ってはいけません。
Koko de tabako o sutte wa ikemasen.
You must not smoke here.
Breakdown
ここhere
location marker
タバコcigarettes
object marker
吸ってsmoke (te-form)
はいけませんmust not (polite)
Note: Rule or prohibition
Example 2
この部屋に入ってはいけません。
Kono heya ni haitte wa ikemasen.
You must not enter this room.
Breakdown
このthis
部屋room
location marker
入ってenter (te-form)
はいけませんmust not
Note: Do not enter
Example 3
授業中は話してはいけません。
Jugyou-chuu wa hanashite wa ikemasen.
You must not talk during class.
Breakdown
授業中during class
topic marker
話してtalk (te-form)
はいけませんmust not
Note: Classroom rule
Example 4
ここで写真を撮ってはいけません。
Koko de shashin o totte wa ikemasen.
You must not take photos here.
Breakdown
ここhere
location marker
写真photo
object marker
撮ってtake (te-form)
はいけませんmust not
Note: No photos

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