～ないと JLPT N3

〜nai to

Express a condition; 'if... not', 'unless', 'must'.

Elliptical conditional idiom (～ないと(いけない) with the second half dropped) implying obligation - a distinct construction from the なければならない family, not just a different register of it. Deliberately excluded from the Obligation family: not a register variant, a different construction.

Formation

Verb-negative form + ないと

Explanation

The ～ないと grammar point is used to express a condition, focusing on the negative consequences if the action is not performed. It can be translated as 'if... not', 'unless', or 'must' in English. The formation is simply attaching ないと to the negative form of a verb.

Example sentences

朝食を食べないと、お腹が空く。

If I don't eat breakfast, I will be hungry.

Asa gohan wo tabenai to, onaka ga suku.
宿題をしないと、先生に怒られる。

If I don't do my homework, the teacher will be angry.

Shukudai wo shinai to, sensei ni okorareru.
充電をしないと、電話が使えなくなる。

If I don't charge it, I won't be able to use the phone.

Juden wo shinai to, denwa ga tsukaenaku naru.
この事故を報告しないと、問題が大きくなる。

If I don't report this accident, the problem will become bigger.

Kono jiko wo houkoku shinai to, mondai ga ookiku naru.