〜なければなりません
must ~
Express a duty, rule, or action that cannot be skipped.
Remember it
No skipping it: attach 〜なければなりません to the required action.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜なければなりません」 means "must ~". Structure: Verb nai-stem + なければなりません. This is a JLPT N4 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
Use it for deadlines, rules, paperwork, and responsibilities.
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今日中に会議をしなければなりません。
きょうじゅう に かいぎ を しなければ なりません。
kyoujuu ni kaigi o shinakereba narimasen.
I must do the meeting by the end of today.
Everyday life
Example 2今日中に紹介をしなければなりません。
きょうじゅう に しょうかい を しなければ なりません。
kyoujuu ni shoukai o shinakereba narimasen.
I must do the introduction by the end of today.
Everyday life
Example 3今日中に経験をしなければなりません。
きょうじゅう に けいけん を しなければ なりません。
kyoujuu ni keiken o shinakereba narimasen.
I must do the experience by the end of today.
Everyday life
Example 4今日中に翻訳をしなければなりません。
きょうじゅう に ほんやく を しなければ なりません。
kyoujuu ni hon'yaku o shinakereba narimasen.
I must do the translation by the end of today.
Everyday life
Example 5今日中に給料をしなければなりません。
きょうじゅう に きゅうりょう を しなければ なりません。
kyoujuu ni kyuuryou o shinakereba narimasen.
I must do the salary by the end of today.
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 must do the meeting by the end of today.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜なければなりません.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.