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〜なければならない

JLPT N4 Obligation and advice

must, have to

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The negative stem plus なければならない expresses obligation: literally, it will not do if you do not. なくてはいけない is an equivalent pattern. In casual speech these contract to なきゃ and なくちゃ.

Examples

  • までにをなければません。

    Ashita made ni repooto o dasanakereba narimasen.

    I have to hand in the report by tomorrow.

  • になければません。

    Maiasa rokuji ni okinakereba narimasen.

    I have to get up at six every morning.

Vocabulary in these examples

Related patterns · Obligation and advice

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