しなければならない
shinakereba naranai
The English phrase 'must do' is expressed in Japanese as しなければならない (shinakereba naranai).
The phrase しなければならない is used to express that something is required or necessary. You can also use する必要がある to say 'there is a need to do', or 絶対にしなければならない to express that one 'absolutely must do' something.
What does it mean word for word?
The expression is a conditional construction. The first part means 'if one does not do' and the second part means 'it will not be/it won't suffice'.
Which one should you use?
Another casual option is やらなきゃ, which means 'have to' or 'must'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
しなければならない is a formal version used in written Japanese, formal speeches or when stating objective rules and obligations. For polite standard conversation, you should change the final part to しなければなりません. In informal, casual spoken Japanese, the phrase is often shortened to しなきゃ.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can also turn the entire expression into a noun clause that serves as a subject by adding ことは、… after the phrase, as seen in しなければならないことは、…』 (What one must do is…).
How do you pronounce it?
shinakereba naranai
Did you know?
- While しなければならない translates as 'must', Japanese speakers often avoid using it toward others to avoid sounding overly bossy or demanding.
- The word ならない in this phrase comes from the verb 'to become', literally suggesting that if the action is not done, the situation 'will not become' right.
- When a 'must' comes from an internal personal drive rather than an external rule, Japanese speakers may avoid しなければならない entirely to avoid sounding like they are following a law.
Examples in context
- 長時間労働を是とするような、旧態依然とした企業風土を打破しなければならない。We must do away with the antiquated corporate culture that makes long working hours acceptable.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use しなければならない to express the need to break away from an old way of doing things.Tatoeba #10497173 by Kojimano, translation #11252201 by pip
- そのレポートを提出しなければならない。I must submit that report.
- その書類を提出する必要があります。You must submit those documents.
- 今日中に報告書を完成させる必要があります。絶対にしなければなりません。You absolutely must complete the report by the end of today.
- 漢字の勉強しなきゃ。I have to study kanji.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
