べからず・べからざる (bekarazu bekarazaru)

Meaning & usage

べからず expresses a strong written prohibition meaning must not or should not, often seen on signs, rules, and formal instructions. It follows the dictionary form of a verb at the end of a sentence, as in 進むべからず, while べからざる is the attributive form placed before a noun, as in 欠くべからざるもの. It sounds stiff and authoritative, so it is not used in everyday conversation where てはいけない or ないでください is more natural.

Example sentences 6

1. 働はたらかざる者もの食くうべからず。

   He who does not work, does not have the right to eat.

2. このドアの先へ進むべからず。

   You can't go beyond this door.

3. ここにゴミを捨てるべからず。

   Don't throw trash here.

4. 水は生きるうえで欠くべからざるものだ。

   Water is essential to life.

5. 彼は、このチームには欠くべからざる選手であると思わないか。

   Don't you think he's an indispensable player for this team?

6. 公園の看板には「芝生に入るべからず」と書いてあった。

   The sign in the park read "Keep off the grass."