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JLPT N1 Very formal / literary

Verb-ru bekara zaru Noun

Used to express what should not be done; 'must not', 'should not'.

Archaic, literary; found in formal notices, mottos, or written rules - rare in modern speech.

Formation

Explanation

The Japanese grammar point Verbる べからざる Noun is used to indicate something that should not be done, or is not allowed to be done. It translates to 'must not' or 'should not' in English. It is often used in formal written Japanese or in formal speeches. It is constructed by using the verb in its dictionary form followed by 'べからざる' and a noun, usually related to behavior or events.

Example sentences

  • Betraying others is an act that must not be done.

    Hito o uragiru bekara zaru koui da.

  • Hurting a child is a behavior that must not happen.

    Kodomo o kizutsukeru bekara zaru koudou da.

  • Lying publicly is an act that should not be done.

    Ooyake ni uso o tsuku bekara zaru koudou da.

  • Infringing on someone else’s property is an act that must not be performed.

    Tanin no zaisan o okasu bekara zaru koui da.

Prohibition (Must Not / Should Not)