Advice, obligation and request
～な(禁止)
don't ~ (rough prohibition)
AI-written, reviewed by AI (ChatGPT)
How to form it
- Verb (dictionary form) + な
Register: Rough; mostly used by men or in close or angry speech
Explanation
Gives a strong, direct order not to do something.
It is blunt. It is often found on signs (触るな) and in shouts. In polite situations, ないでください is used.
Examples
ここで遊ぶな！
ここであそぶな！
Do not play here!
嘘をつくな！
うそをつくな！
Do not lie!
危ないから、触るな！
あぶないから、さわるな！
It is dangerous, so do not touch it!
諦めるな、最後まで頑張れ！
あきらめるな、さいごまでがんばれ！
Do not give up; do your best to the end!
Compare with
- ～てはいけない: てはいけない is a standard prohibition; な is rough.
Common mistakes
- Using it in polite conversation; it sounds rude.