Structure
Verb［ない］+ と + （いけない(1)）
(1) だめ
Details
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Casual
About ないと
As an extension of the 'if' meaning of と, attaching the auxiliary verb ない to the verb before it will express 'if (A) is not done, (B)'. (B) is most frequently いけない 'cannot go', which makes ないといけない a double negative phrase, which translates to 'must do (A)', or 'have to do (A)'.
いけない may be replaced with だめ, to make the phrase more casual, but ならない is generally not used with ないと.
Caution
As と has the 'and' nuance, it gives ないと a level of strength that is not seen in similar phrases like なければいけない, or なくてはいけない. Because of this, ないと is often used to highlight things which absolutely 'must' be done (obeying the law, adhering to customs, using common sense, etc.).
- 歩行者も信号機を守らないといけない。Even pedestrians have to obey traffic lights.
Synonyms
Examples
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「約束を守らないといけません！」
'You have to keep your promise!' (must)
「なぜ、税金を払わないといけないのですか？」
'Why do I have to pay taxes?' (must)
「子沢山だから、一週間に三十回は洗濯しないとだめ。」
'There are lots of children, so I have to do laundry thirty times a week.' (must)
「合格したらまず両親や先生に伝えないと。」
'If I pass, I have to tell my parents and teacher first!' (must)
「ピーナッツにアレルギーがあると言っておかないといけないんだ。」
'I have to tell (you) in advance that I am allergic to peanuts.' (must)
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ないと – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (16 in total)
Daru
Not all that short.
Pixel_Vapour
<...
IcyIceBear
Was looking at alternate acceptable answers… I’ve never seen 〜ですのです before? Is it actually acceptable or is it not taking the rest of the sentence into account
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