〜てはいけない | expresses prohibition; indicates that one must not do something

Key takeaways

Grammar pattern 〜てはいけない (〜てはいけない): expresses prohibition; indicates that one must not do something.

See example sentences below.

〜てはいけない at a glance

At a glance

〜てはいけない

〜te wa ikenai

Prohibition

Expression: 〜てはいけない
Reading: 〜te wa ikenai
Natural meaning: expresses prohibition; indicates that one must not do something
Typical use: Prohibition

Core meaning

expresses prohibition; indicates that one must not do something

Example 1

美術館の中で写真を撮ってはいけません。

Translation

You must not take photos inside the art museum.

Example 2

テスト中に隣の人と話してはいけません。

Translation

You must not talk to the person next to you during the test.