禁止形（V 辞書形 + な） (kinshikei (V jishokei + na)) — Prohibitive form — do not do it
Add な to the dictionary form to make a hard "do not do it".
Formula (सूत्र ढाँचा)
Grammar rule (व्याकरण नियम र परिभाषा)
Meaning
- To make the prohibitive, add な to the dictionary form (辞書形) — that is all.
- The rule is the same for every group, so the prohibitive is easier to build than the imperative.
How to attach
行く → 行くな. 入る → 入るな. 吸う → 吸うな. 食べる → 食べるな. する → するな. 来る → 来るな.
Versus what you know
N5Its polite version is 「〜ないで ください」, and that is what you use in everyday conversation.
Watch out
Careful: this な is not the な that follows a ます form (行きな = "go on, go"); only な after the dictionary form means a ban.
Examples (उदाहरणहरू)
ここに 入るな。
ここに はいるな。
Do not enter here.
写真を 撮るな。
しゃしんを とるな。
Do not take photos.
ここで たばこを 吸うな。
ここで たばこを すうな。
Do not smoke here.
Knowledge check (मिनी ज्ञान जाँच)
What is the prohibitive form of 「使います」(to use)?
💡 Hint: Make the dictionary form first: 使います → 使う.
使う + な = 使うな. Never attach な to the ます form.
To turn 「食べます」into a hard "do not eat!", which one is right?
💡 Hint: Make the dictionary form first: 食べます → 食べる.
な always attaches to the dictionary form: 食べる + な = 食べるな. Careful — 食べな is the other な, the one after a ます stem, and it means "go on, eat", not a ban.
When you speak straight to a person at work, which one should you say?
💡 Hint: The な form belongs on signs and in angry speech.
「入るな」carries no politeness — it belongs on a sign. When speaking to a person, always say 「入らないで ください」.「入れ」is the imperative, and 「入りなさい」tells them to go in — the opposite meaning.
Your score: /3