Translation guide
Expressing prohibition or lack of permission in Japanese. The most common way is using 〜てはいけない or its contracted form 〜ちゃいけない. Other patterns include 〜てはだめ, 〜ないといけない (double negative for must not), and formal written 〜べからず. The choice depends on formality and strength.
To say that something is not allowed or prohibited, often in rules or instructions.
Standard pattern meaning 'must not do'. Attach to the て-form of a verb. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
ここで写真を撮ってはいけません。
You must not take photos here.
遅刻してはいけない。
You must not be late.
Casual contraction of 〜てはいけない. Used in everyday conversation. The negative can be 〜ちゃいけません for polite speech.
そんなこと言っちゃいけないよ。
You shouldn't say things like that.
ここで遊んじゃいけません。
You must not play here.
Means 'it's no good if you do...' or 'don't do...'. Slightly softer than 〜てはいけない, often used in admonishments.
そんなに大声を出してはだめだよ。
Don't shout so loudly.
ここに座ってはだめですか？
Is it not allowed to sit here?
Polite request not to do something. Literally 'please don't do...'. Softer than direct prohibition.
タバコを吸わないでください。
Please do not smoke.
To express that something is absolutely forbidden or must not happen under any circumstances.
Means 'cannot afford to do' or 'cannot keep doing'. Implies urgency or impossibility of continuing an action.
もう待ってはいられない。
I can't wait any longer.
Archaic or formal written prohibition. Often seen on signs or in old texts. Attach to dictionary form of verb.
立ち入るべからず。
No entry. (Do not enter.)
To describe something as not permitted or against the rules.
Noun meaning 'prohibition' or 'ban'. Often used in compounds like 禁止されている (is prohibited).
ここは駐車禁止です。
Parking is prohibited here.
写真撮影は禁止されています。
Photography is not allowed.
Means 'not permitted' or 'unforgivable'. Passive negative of 許す (to permit).
そんな行為は許されない。
Such behavior is not allowed.
〜てはいけない is a general prohibition, while 〜てはならない is stronger and more formal, often used in written rules or moral obligations. 〜てはならない implies 'must not' as a duty.
約束を破ってはならない。
You must not break a promise.
Avoid directly translating 'not allowed' as 許可されていない in casual speech; it sounds stiff. Use 〜てはいけない or 〜ちゃだめ instead.