Meaning & usage
な creates a strong prohibition telling the listener not to do an action. It attaches directly to the dictionary form of a verb, as in さわるな or のむな, with no further conjugation. It sounds blunt and forceful, so it is common in warnings, rules, and speech from parents or superiors, while ないでください is safer for polite requests.
Example sentences 8
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おくびにも出すな。
Don't breathe a word of it to anyone.
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あぶないから、さわるな。
It's dangerous, so don't touch it.
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ここで写真をとるな。
Don't take pictures here.
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夜おそくに電話するな。
Don't call late at night.
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昼ごはんの前にねるな。
Don't go to sleep before lunch.
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その水をのむな。
Don't drink that water.
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ドアをあけたままにするな。
Don't leave the door open.
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ごみをここにすてるな。
Don't throw trash here.
