GE14 · Obligation: 〜なければ

Before you start

The sentences use words you already know, up to the elementary level, and assume basic grammar.

This lesson assumes what you saw in the earlier ones. If something feels shaky, go back to it:

• GE01say what you can do
• GE02say who gives what to whom
• GE03say what happens if or when
• GE04say what something looks like
• GE05say something is done or happened by mistake
• GE06say what always happens when…
• GE07say something happens anyway
• GE08speak as among friends
• GE09say how things are left and prepare
• GE10say what happens if…
• GE11say what is done to you
• GE12say someone makes or lets another do something
• GE13say what you've decided to do

What you learn

〜なければ なりません

• なりませんmust (〜なければ なりません)

〜なければ なりません means «have to» or «must». It is built from the ない-form, changing the final い to ければ: いかない → いかなければ なりません (I have to go).

• あしたは かいしゃに いかなければ なりません。ashita wa kaisha ni ikanakereba narimasen.Tomorrow I have to go to the office.
• くすりを のまなければ なりません。kusuri o nomanakereba narimasen.I have to take the medicine.
• しゅくだいを しなければ なりません。shukudai o shinakereba narimasen.I have to do my homework.
• やちんを はらわなければ なりません。yachin o harawanakereba narimasen.I have to pay the rent.
• ゴミを すてなければ なりません。gomi o sutenakereba narimasen.I have to take out the rubbish.
• しりょうを よまなければ なりません。shiryou o yomanakereba narimasen.I have to read the materials.

Practice

A short text written only with the kana and grammar you already know. Read it and answer.