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JLPT N4 Casual

〜naku cha ikenai

Express the obligation to do something; 'have to', 'must', 'need to'.

Casual contraction (なくては -> なくちゃ); spoken, informal.

Formation

Explanation

The ～なくちゃいけない grammar point is used to express that there is an obligation or necessity to do something. It can be translated as 'have to', 'must', or 'need to' in English. This grammar point is mainly used with verbs.

Example sentences

  • I have to go to work, so I must wake up early.

    Shigoto ni ikanakucha ikenai node, hayaoki shinakereba narimasen.

  • I have a test, so I must study.

    Shiken ga aru kara, benkyou shinakucha ikemasen.

  • I have to renew my passport, so I need to go to the embassy.

    Pasupooto wo koushin shinakucha ikenai node, taishikan ni ikanakereba.

  • I have to pay money today, so I need to go to the bank.

    Kyou wa okane wo harawanakucha ikenai kara, ginkou ni ikanaito.

Obligation (Must / Have to)