Meaning
It emphasizes that a certain action or rule is necessary and must be followed.
“〜なければならない” is an old-fashioned expression that is rarely used in conversational Japanese. It is sometimes found in historical dramas, movies, and television shows set in earlier periods. It’s an old expression and is rarely used in conversation. It can sometimes be found in period dramas, historical films, and dramas set in the past.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| 動詞 | 動詞 ない + ねばならない |
| イ形容詞 | イ形容詞 Na：ナ形容詞 N/A |
Examples
-
勝ち目がなくとも、これが私の使命なので、行かねばならない。
Even if there is no chance of winning, I must go because this is my mission. -
裁判官は常に、公平に審査せねばならない。
Judges must always judge impartially. -
来月から、転勤で地方へ行かねばならない。
Starting next month, I have to go to a rural area because of my job transfer. -
そろそろ本当のことを打ち明けねばならないなあ。
I'll have to reveal the truth to you soon. -
国民の幸せのために、政府は常に努力せねばならない。
The government must always strive for the happiness of the people. -
海を守るために、プラスチック製品を減らさねばならない。
We must reduce the use of plastic products in order to protect the ocean.
Summary
- 〜ねばならない means "must ；have to"
- Formation: 動詞 → 動詞 ない + ねばならない; イ形容詞 → イ形容詞 Na：ナ形容詞 N/A
- This is an N1-level grammar pattern