Learn Japanese
Today we’re covering an N4-level grammar pattern you’ll hear a lot in formal settings:
〜なければならない = must / have to
💡 Grammar Breakdown:
✅ Verb in ない-form (remove い) + ければ + ならない
➡️ Used to express obligation or something that must be done.
📝 Examples from the images:
牛乳を買わなければならない。
→ I have to buy milk.
行かなければならない。
→ I have to go.
宿題をしなければならない。
→ I must do my homework.
⚠️ When to use this?
🔹 More common in writing, news, formal speech.
🔹 In daily conversation, people often use 〜なきゃ or 〜ないと instead for a softer tone.
👉 (Ex: 宿題しなきゃ〜！)
Related Post:
Learn all about こ – そ – あ – ど series and how to use it in Japanese
20 Japanese verbs go with the particle (に) Ni
