Japanese grammar · no level in the source

〜はいけないmeaning and usage

Meaning

Don't A; Don't be a(n) A

How to form it

  • nounはいけない/いけません
  • verb (dictionary form)のはいけない

How it is used

After a noun (or verb + 「の」), it rejects a kind of behaviour: 'A is not allowed / don't A', as in 「うそはいけない」. For a specific action, 「〜てはいけない」 is used. It sounds firm, like a rule or a lecture.

Examples

  1. 遅刻はいけません。

    Don't be late.

  2. 食べ物を残すのはいけないよ。

    You shouldn't leave food on your plate.

  3. 授業中のおしゃべりはいけません。

    No chatting during class.