〜ないで
without doing / don't and
Say clearly that an action is not allowed.
Remember it
Picture a stop sign: the action + 〜ないで.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ないで」 means "without doing / don't and". Structure: Verb nai-form + で. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
You will meet this in rules, instructions, notices, and safety warnings.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1修理を使わないで作業しました。
しゅうり を つかわない で さぎょう しました。
shuuri o tsukawanai de sagyou shimashita.
I worked without using the repair.
At work
Example 2資料を使わないで作業しました。
しりょう を つかわない で さぎょう しました。
shiryou o tsukawanai de sagyou shimashita.
I worked without using the materials.
At work
Example 3機械を使わないで作業しました。
きかい を つかわない で さぎょう しました。
kikai o tsukawanai de sagyou shimashita.
I worked without using the machine.
At work
Example 4材料を使わないで作業しました。
ざいりょう を つかわない で さぎょう しました。
zairyou o tsukawanai de sagyou shimashita.
I worked without using the ingredients.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I worked without using the repair.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ないで.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.