Meaning
Forms a polite request not to act.
Formation
- ない form + でください — 入らない → 入らないでください
When to use it
- Core use
- Forms a polite request not to act
Examples
14 sentences-
ここで写真を撮らないでください
Please do not take photographs here.
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ドアを開けないでください
Please do not open the door.
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図書館の中では電話しないでください
Please do not make phone calls inside the library.
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この部屋で写真を撮らないでください
Please do not take photographs in this room.
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小さな荷物を運ばないでください
Please do not carry the small luggage.
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青い封筒を選ばないでください
Please do not choose a blue envelope.
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古い雑誌を捨てないでください
Please do not throw away the old magazines.
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台所の窓を開けないでください
Please do not open the kitchen window.
6 more examples
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旅行の写真を見ないでください
Please do not look at the travel photos.
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短い手紙を書かないでください
Please do not write a short letter.
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友達の話を聞かないでください
Please do not listen to my friend's story.
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パスワードを人に教えないでください
Please do not tell other people your password.
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大事な手紙を捨てないでください
Please do not throw away important letters.
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教室でご飯を食べないでください
Please do not eat in the classroom.
Important notes
- ないでください asks someone not to do something and is softer than the rule てはいけません. It also reassures: 心配しないでください.
Common mistakes
- Build it from the ない form: 行かないでください, not 行かなくてください. 撮らなくてもいいです only removes an obligation; it does not ask anyone not to take photos.
Check yourself
Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.
Similar grammar
Hear it in podcasts
The pattern appears in these episodes. They open in the app with the transcript and translation.
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