Lesson 48 of 126
The lesson
4.5 Permission and Prohibition
Overview
Learn how Japanese expresses permission and prohibition. This lesson covers polite, casual, and formal ways to say that something is allowed or not allowed.
Prohibition
～てはいけない is used to say that something is not allowed. It is neutral and common in rules.
In casual speech, ～ては is often shortened to ～ちゃ.
～てはならない expresses a strong and formal rule. It is often used in written notices.
～禁止 is commonly used on signs.
Permission
～てもいい is used to give permission.
～ても大丈夫 reassures the listener that something is acceptable.
Summary
| Function | Expression | Tone / Politeness |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibition | ～てはいけない | Neutral to polite |
| ～ちゃだめ | Casual, direct | |
| ～てはならない | Formal, strong | |
| ～禁止 | Signage, impersonal | |
| Permission | ～てもいい | Neutral, friendly |
| ～てもいいですか | Polite request | |
| ～ても大丈夫 | Soft, reassuring |
Dialogue
ここはとしょかん図書館です。 なか中ではしっては走ってはいけない。 おおきい大きいこえ声ではなしちゃ話しちゃだめ。
いりぐち入口にきごう「いんしょくきんし飲食禁止きごう」とかいて書いてあります。 なか中でごはんをたべては食べてはならない。
せき席をつかって使ってもいいですか。 はい、つかって使ってもいい。 ここにすわって座ってもだいじょうぶ大丈夫。
This is a library. You must not run inside. Do not speak loudly.
At the entrance, it says “No eating or drinking.” You must not eat inside.
May I use a seat? Yes, you may use it. It is okay to sit here.
It is okay to read books. But you must not take photos.
Let’s use it quietly.
New words
Grammar
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