Translation guide
How to express that something is not allowed, prohibited, or off-limits in Japanese, depending on formality, context, and whether it's a rule, social norm, or personal restriction.
Expressing that something is officially forbidden, illegal, or against regulations.
A common pattern meaning 'must not do'. Used in rules and instructions. The verb before て is in te-form.
ここで写真を撮ってはいけません。
You must not take photos here.
A more formal and written equivalent of 〜てはいけない. Often used in official documents or serious prohibitions.
この書類を外部に持ち出してはならない。
This document must not be taken outside.
Noun meaning 'prohibition'. Often seen on signs as 〜禁止 (e.g., 駐車禁止 'No Parking'). Can be used with する to mean 'prohibit'.
この区域は駐車禁止です。
Parking is prohibited in this area.
法律で禁止されている。
It is prohibited by law.
Verb meaning 'to forbid' or 'to prohibit'. More formal than 禁止する. Often used in legal or authoritative contexts.
校則で携帯電話の使用を禁じている。
School rules forbid the use of mobile phones.
Expressing that something is not acceptable according to social norms, manners, or expectations.
Also used for social prohibitions, especially when speaking to children or in casual admonishments.
人に迷惑をかけてはいけないよ。
You mustn't cause trouble for others.
A very common casual word meaning 'no good', 'not allowed', or 'useless'. Used in everyday speech to forbid something or say it's unacceptable.
ここで走っちゃだめ！
You can't run here!
それはだめだよ。
That's not allowed / That's no good.
Similar to だめ but slightly more formal. Often used in the pattern 〜てはいけない. Can stand alone to mean 'that's wrong/bad'.
嘘をつくのはいけないことです。
Lying is wrong (forbidden).
Means 'unforgivable' or 'not permitted'. Stronger than だめ, implying moral or social unacceptability.
そんな行為は許されない。
Such behavior is not permitted.
Expressing that a place or thing is forbidden to enter, use, or access.
Standard phrase on signs meaning 'No Entry' or 'Keep Out'. Literally 'entry prohibited'.
この先は立ち入り禁止です。
Beyond this point is off-limits.
Means 'use prohibited'. Seen on signs for equipment or facilities.
このエレベーターは使用禁止です。
This elevator is out of service / use prohibited.
Verbal expression meaning 'must not enter'. Used in spoken warnings.
この部屋に入ってはいけません。
You must not enter this room.
Expressing that someone (parent, boss, etc.) forbids an action.
Used to report that someone said 'don't do that'. The person forbidding is marked with が or は.
母が夜遅く出かけてはいけないと言った。
My mother told me I mustn't go out late at night.
Verb meaning 'to prohibit'. Used when someone officially forbids something.
会社は私的なメールの使用を禁止した。
The company prohibited the use of personal email.
Formal verb for 'forbid', often used in authoritative contexts.
Expressing that something is forbidden due to religious, cultural, or superstitious reasons.
Loanword from English 'taboo'. Used for social or cultural taboos.
この話題はタブーだ。
This topic is taboo.
Means 'something to be avoided' or 'strictly forbidden'. Often used in warnings like 油断は禁物 'beware of carelessness'.
Words avoided due to superstition, especially at weddings or auspicious occasions.
だめ is casual and used in everyday speech. いけない is slightly more formal and often part of grammar patterns. 禁止 is a formal noun used in rules and signs.
ここでタバコを吸ってはだめです。
You can't smoke here. (casual)
ここでタバコを吸ってはいけません。
You must not smoke here. (polite)
喫煙禁止
No Smoking (sign)
The English word 'forbidden' is often translated as 禁じられた or 禁止された, but these sound formal and are not used in casual conversation. Use だめ or 〜てはいけない for everyday prohibitions.
父は私がバイクに乗ることを禁じた。
My father forbade me from riding a motorcycle.
高血圧に塩分は禁物です。
Salt is forbidden for high blood pressure.
結婚式で「切る」は忌み言葉です。
'Cut' is a taboo word at weddings.