Unit 5 - Section 3: Degree Adverbs

Practice Quiz

Necessity and Obligation (Must, Should, Have to)

Learn to express necessity, obligation, and requirement in Japanese. Essential for discussing duties and necessities.

～なければならない (Must)

Pattern: [Verb ない-form] + ければならない

Must do / Have to do (strong obligation)

明日あした報告ほうこくしなければなりません。
[Ashita hokoku shinakereba narimasen]
Translation: I must report tomorrow.
規則きそくを守まもらなければいけません。
[Kisoku wo mamoranakerteba ikemasen]
Translation: You must follow the rules.

Obligation Patterns

Alternative: ～なくてはいけない / ～なくちゃいけない

Same meaning, less formal

  • 勉強しなくてはいけない。 - "I have to study."
  • 来なくちゃいけない。 - "I have to come." (very casual)
Should / Ought to: ～べき

Slightly less strong obligation, more advisory

  • よく勉強すべきです。 - "You should study hard."
  • 朝早く起きるべきだ。 - "One ought to wake up early in the morning."
Mild obligation: ～ないといけない
  • 宿題をしないといけない。 - "I need to do homework."

Necessity Pattern Comparison

Pattern Strength Example Translation
～なければならない Strongest 来なければなりません Must come
～なくてはいけない Strong 来なくてはいけない Have to come
～ないといけない Moderate 来ないといけない Need to come
～べき Advisory 来るべき Should come

Example Sentences

健康けんこうを守まもるために、毎日運動うんどうしなければなりません。
[Kenkou wo mamoru tame ni, mainichi undou shinakereba narimasen]
Translation: To maintain good health, I must exercise every day.
医者いしゃの指示しじに従したがわなくてはいけません。
[Isha no shiji ni shitagawanakute wa ikemasen]
Translation: I have to follow the doctor's instructions.
学生がくせいは学問がくもんを真摯しんしに追おいうべきです。
[Gakusei wa gakumon wo shinshi ni oiu bekidesu]
Translation: Students should earnestly pursue learning.

Study Tips

Master Obligation Patterns:
  • Negative form base: All use the ない form as the base
  • Strength matters: Choose the right pattern to match your obligation level
  • Common pattern: ～なくてはいけない is probably most practical
  • Formal vs casual: Learn both forms for different contexts
  • Practice in context: Use these when discussing responsibilities and rules
Course Navigation
Study Tips
  • Read each example carefully
  • Practice pronunciation aloud
  • Create your own sentences to reinforce memory
  • Finish the section quiz