〜ないでください

Meaning

This pattern is used to politely request someone not to do something. It uses the negative form of verbs (ない form) followed by でください. The particle は is commonly used with this structure to mark the object of the prohibition.

Formation

Examples

1. 病院で、携帯電話を 使わないでください。
   Please don't use your cell phone in the hospital.

2. これから テストが 始まりますから、本は 見ないでください。
   The test is about to start, so please don't look at your books.

3. この部屋では タバコを 吸わないでください。
   Please don't smoke in this room.

Summary

• Form: Verb (ない form) + でください for polite negative requests
• Particle は is commonly used to mark the thing being prohibited
• This is the opposite of 〜ください and is used to tell someone not to do something