N4verbte-formprohibition

てはいけない (te wa ikenai) - Must not

[Verb て] + はいけません

Quick answer

[Verb て] + はいけません means "Prohibition". As a N4 grammar point, it is tested in the JLPT. Detailed examples and a usage explanation are on this page.

Meaning

Prohibition

Explanation

てはいけない expresses strong prohibition.

Examples

ここで食べてはいけません
ここでたべてはいけません。
You must not eat here.
走ってはいけません
はしってはいけません。
You must not run.

Practice this grammar

[Verb て] + はいけません

Which sentence correctly uses "てはいけない (te wa ikenai) - Must not"?

Vocabulary from these examples

Last updated Jul 4, 2026