Verbる べからず
〜ru bekara zu
JLPT N1 Very formal, literary
Formation
Verb-ru + べからず
Expresses the idea of 'must not do' or 'should not do'.
When to use
べからず: must not, on signs and rules (入るべからず).
Explanation
The ～るべからず grammar point is used to express a strong prohibition or firmly established rule. It can be translated as 'must not do' or 'should not do'. It is common in formal or instructive settings (e.g., signs, notices). The formation is straightforward with verbs in dictionary form followed by べからず.
Example sentences
Permission And Prohibition (May / Must Not)
- ～てはいけない〜te wa ikenaiN4Expresses prohibition; 'must not', 'cannot'.
- ～ものではない〜mono dewa naiN2Expresses a strong negative suggestion or prohibition:…
- ～てはならない〜te wa naranaiN2Express prohibition; 'must not', 'cannot', 'should not'.
- ～べきではない〜beki dewa naiN2Express that an action should not be done; 'should not'…
- Verbる べからざる NounVerb-ru bekara zaru NounN1Used to express what should not be done; 'must not'…
- ～てもいい〜temo iiN4To give or ask permission; 'it's okay to', 'may', 'can'.
- ～差し支えない〜sashitsukaenaiN1Indicates no problem or obstacle; 'it’s fine if...'…
Corpus examples (17)
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Staff members only.
流言飛語に惑わされるべからず、とはいうものの、言うは易く行うは難し、と思わない？
They say you shouldn't take rumors seriously, but that's easier said than done.
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This is a golden opportunity we'd be stupid to pass up. Let's get to work and finish it all in one fell swoop.
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Books must follow sciences, and not sciences books.
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The sign in the park read "Keep off the grass."
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Don't cross this bridge.
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The notice in the park said, "Keep off the grass."
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The confusion beggars description.
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Keep off the grass!
ここにゴミ捨てるべからず。
No dumping rubbish here!
ここにゴミを捨てるべからず。
Don't throw trash here.
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He who does not work, does not have the right to eat.
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You can't go beyond this door.
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Men should keep out of the kitchen.
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One who does not work should not eat.
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If you don't work, you shouldn't eat.
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Strike while the iron is hot.