JLPT N5 grammar

〜ないでくださいmeaning and usage

Meaning

A polite request not to do something: “Please don’t …”. It follows a verb in its ない form.

How to form it

  • verb (nai-form)でください

How it is used

Politely asks someone not to do something; common on signs and in reminders. It is softer than 「〜てはいけません」 (must not). Even politer is 「〜ないでくださいませんか」; with friends, just 「〜ないで」.

Examples

  1. 教室の中で食べ物を食べないでください。

    Please do not eat in the classroom.

  2. ここに自転車を置かないでください。

    Please don't leave bicycles here.

  3. あした、辞書を忘れないでください。

    Please don't forget your dictionary tomorrow.

About the example 食べないでください uses ないでください to politely ask someone not to eat in the classroom.