なければならない
nakereba naranai
The Japanese phrase for 'must' is なければならない (nakereba naranai).
This phrase is used to express a strong necessity or a requirement to do something. It often carries a nuance of an objective requirement or a social obligation rather than a personal desire.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of a conditional 'if not' (nakereba) and a verb meaning 'it will not do' or 'it is no good' (naranai), translating to 'if [one] does not [do it], it will not do'.
Which one should you use?
While なければならない expresses a strong necessity, it often carries a nuance of an objective requirement or a social obligation rather than a personal desire.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai region, including cities like Osaka and Kyoto, the expression なあかん is mainly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual speech, the long phrase 'nakereba naranai' is often shortened to なきゃ.
How do you pronounce it?
nakereba naranai
Did you know?
- Japanese speakers often avoid using なければならない in direct conversation because it can sound overly demanding or bossy, opting instead for softer expressions that suggest a need rather than a command.
- The second half of the phrase, ならない, is a negative form of the verb 'naru' (to become). It effectively communicates that the state of 'not doing' is a state that 'cannot become' or is unacceptable.
- The phrase なきゃ is so common in casual speech that it is often used as a standalone exclamation when someone suddenly remembers a task they forgot to do.
Examples in context
- 勉強しなければなりません。I must study.
- 申し込まなければなりません。I must apply.
- 帰らなくてはいけません。I must go home.
- 食べなくてはいけません。I must eat.
- 行かなきゃいけない。I must go.
- 買わなきゃいけない。I must buy.
- 勝たないといけません。I must win.
- やめないといけません。I must quit.
- 薬を飲まなければならない。Kusuri o nomanakereba naranai.I must take my medicine.
- 明日、早く起きなければならない。Ashita, hayaku okinakereba naranai.I must wake up early tomorrow.
- 学生は勉強しなければならない。Gakusei wa benkyou shinakereba naranai.Students must study.
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are discussing their school project.
- 陽太 Yotaこのレポート、今日中に完成させなければならないよ。Kono repōto, kyōjū ni kansei sasenakereba naranai yo.We must complete this report by the end of today.
- 陽葵 Himariそうだね。急いで資料を集めよう。Sō da ne. Isoide shiryō o atsumeyō.You're right. Let's gather the materials quickly.
- 陽太 Yota陽葵、君はグラフを作ってくれるかな？Himari, kimi wa gurafu o tsukutte kureru kana?Himari, could you make the graphs?
- 陽葵 Himariいいよ。今から取りかかるね。Ii yo. Ima kara torikakaru ne.Sure. I'll start on them now.
