〜なくちゃ
gotta ~ (casual)
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜なくちゃ” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜なくちゃ」 means "gotta ~ (casual)". Structure: Verb nai-stem + なくちゃ. 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
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Casual
Natural with friends and people close to you; avoid it in formal situations.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1利用を準備しなくちゃ。
りよう を じゅんび しなくちゃ。
riyou o junbi shinakucha.
I gotta prepare the use.
Everyday life
Example 2指導を準備しなくちゃ。
しどう を じゅんび しなくちゃ。
shidou o junbi shinakucha.
I gotta prepare the guidance.
Everyday life
Example 3記録を準備しなくちゃ。
きろく を じゅんび しなくちゃ。
kiroku o junbi shinakucha.
I gotta prepare the record.
Everyday life
Example 4配送を準備しなくちゃ。
はいそう を じゅんび しなくちゃ。
haisou o junbi shinakucha.
I gotta prepare the shipping.
Everyday life
Example 5通訳を準備しなくちゃ。
つうやく を じゅんび しなくちゃ。
tsuuyaku o junbi shinakucha.
I gotta prepare the interpretation.
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 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I gotta prepare the use.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜なくちゃ.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.