〜なければならない
Formation
N5ConditionalNeutral
Variations
なければいけない
なきゃ
Colloquial
Meaning
Used to express obligation, necessity, or social expectation. It translates to 'must' or 'have to'.
Note
A foundational expression for obligation. 'Nakereba naranai' translates literally to 'it won't be/become if not...', meaning it's unacceptable if something isn't done. 'Naranai' tends to express an objective necessity or social duty, while 'ikena' (from 'ikenai') often suggests a personal consequence or that the situation will be bad (unacceptable) if not done. In speech, 'nakereba' is often contracted to 'nakya'.
Examples
毎日、勉強しなければなりません。
I have to study every day.
薬を飲まなければならない。
I must take medicine.
早く寝なきゃ。
I must go to bed early.
今日は早く帰らなければなりません。
I have to go home early today.
漢字を覚えなければいけません。
I must memorize kanji.
靴を脱がなければなりません。
You must take off your shoes.