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JLPT N4 Neutral

〜nai to ikenai

Express a necessity; 'must', 'have to', 'need to'.

Conversational but not as casual as なきゃ/なくちゃ; common in everyday polite speech.

Formation

Explanation

The ～ないといけない grammar point is used to express a sense of necessity or obligation, similar to 'must', 'have to', or 'need to' in English. This structure is formed by using the negative form of the verb (ending in ない) followed by といけない.

Example sentences

  • I have an exam tomorrow, so I have to study tonight.

    Ashita shiken ga aru kara, kon'ya benkyou shinai to ikenai.

  • We must leave at 9 o'clock.

    Ku-ji ni shuppatsu shinai to ikenai.

  • To avoid catching a cold, we have to wash our hands well.

    Kaze o hikanai you ni, te o yoku arawanai to ikenai.

  • This work must be finished by tomorrow.

    Kono shigoto wa ashita made ni owaranai to ikenai.

Obligation (Must / Have to)