〜てはいけません
must not ~
Say clearly that an action is not allowed.
Remember it
Picture a stop sign: the action + 〜てはいけません.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜てはいけません」 means "must not ~". Structure: Verb te-form + はいけません. This is a JLPT N5 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
Everyday life
Example 1ここで水を飲んではいけません。
ここでみずをのんではいけません。
kokodemizuonondehaikemasen.
You must not drink water here.
Everyday life
Example 2ここでかばんを飲んではいけません。
ここでかばんをのんではいけません。
kokodekaban'onondehaikemasen.
You must not drink bag here.
Everyday life
Example 3ここで時計を飲んではいけません。
ここでとけいをのんではいけません。
kokodetokeionondehaikemasen.
You must not drink clock here.
Everyday life
Example 4ここでご飯を飲んではいけません。
ここでごはんをのんではいけません。
kokodegohan'onondehaikemasen.
You must not drink rice here.
Everyday life
Example 5ここで野菜を飲んではいけません。
ここでやさいをのんではいけません。
kokodeyasaionondehaikemasen.
You must not drink vegetables here.
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
You must not drink water here.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜てはいけません.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.