てはいけないから

in case, so that not, so as not to, to avoid, just in case

AI-generated

Structure

[verb て-form] + は + いけないから、[sentence]

Description

てはいけないから gives the reason for doing something: it would be bad if a certain thing happened, so you act to stop it. English says "so that … doesn't", "in case" or "so as not to". The first half is the て-form of the verb plus は, the thing you want to avoid.

、。

I left early so that I wouldn't be late.

、。

I wrote a note so I wouldn't forget.

、。

I keep this room locked so the children don't get hurt.

The second half can be a request, an order or a suggestion, because the reason is carried by から.

、。

Keep warm so you don't catch a cold.

、。

Let's hurry and get ready so we don't keep the guests waiting.

てはいけないから or ないように

states the aim of the action: "so as not to". てはいけないから states the worry behind it, as a reason. Both can describe the same act.

、。

I left early so as not to be late.

、。

I left early, since I mustn't be late.

The verb in front of ないように is negative; the verb in front of てはいけないから is not. Carrying the negative across gives ちこく遅刻しなくてはいけないから, which means "since I have to be late".

Usage notes

These go beyond the standard form.

ちゃいけないから

In casual speech ては becomes ちゃ, and では becomes じゃ.

、。

I practiced many times so I wouldn't fail.

といけないから

takes the dictionary form and means the same: "in case".

、。

Let's take an umbrella in case it rains.

Examples

、。

I left home early because I mustn't be late.

、。

I wrote it on the calendar so I wouldn't forget.

、。

Put on a coat so you don't catch a cold.

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I study every day so that I don't fail the exam.

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I keep this room locked so the children don't get hurt.

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Let's put the important documents in the safe so we don't lose them.

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Please be quiet so you don't bother others.

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I'm cutting back on sweets so I don't gain weight.

、。

Let's hurry and get ready so we don't keep the guests waiting.

、。

I'll definitely go because I mustn't break my promise.

、。

I double-checked so I wouldn't make a mistake.

、。

Don't tell anyone so the secret doesn't get out.

てしょうがない / てしかたがない

てばかりいる