～ないでください | Grammar

Structure

[verb ない-form] + でください [verb ない-form] + で

～ないでください asks someone politely not to do something: "please don't". Take the ない-form of the verb and add でください.

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Please don't smoke here.

。

Please don't go into that room.

。

Please don't be late.

The で is part of the pattern, and it follows ない, not なく.

Drop ください and ～ないで on its own is the casual request. It is still a request, softer than the blunt な of すう吸うな.

。

Don't smoke here.

。

Don't worry.

at the end turns the request into a reminder the listener is expected to agree with: "…, OK?"

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Please don't smoke here, OK?

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Don't forget, OK?

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Please don’t take pictures here.

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Please don’t talk loudly.

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Please don’t throw away this paper.

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Please don’t close the door.

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Please don’t open the window.

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Please don’t be late.

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Please don’t use your phone.

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Please don’t enter that room.

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Please don’t write with a pen.

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Please don’t disturb other people.