Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 2
〜なければなりません~nakereba narimasen
must do
Use this form to say an action is required by a rule, responsibility, or practical need.
How it works

You need to wash your hands before eating. The sentence in the picture says this is something you must do.

Although the sentence contains 「ない」 and 「ません」, the whole expression still means “must do.”

Remove the final 「ない」 from the verb’s ない form, then add 「なければなりません」.

Removing 「ない」 from 「しない」 leaves 「し」, so it becomes 「しなければなりません」.

Rules, responsibilities, or practical needs can all make something a “must-do” action.


