Using "must" for Obligation

A2 Eiken Pre-2 Elementary

must + base verb

Explanation

Use "must" when something is necessary or required.

In "You must wear a helmet.", "You" is the person who must do it, "must" shows obligation, and "wear" is the base verb. English keeps the verb in its plain form after "must". Japanese often uses "〜しなければならない" or "〜する必要がある". Do not add "to" after "must". Use "must not" for prohibition, and "do not have to" for something that is not necessary.

Examples

  • You must wear a seat belt. シートベルトを着用しなければなりません。
  • Students must bring their ID cards. 学生は学生証を持ってこなければなりません。
  • Must we finish this today? これを今日中に終えなければなりませんか。
  • You must not smoke here. ここでたばこを吸ってはいけません。
  • I must call my mother tonight. 今夜、母に電話しなければなりません。
  • We must leave early if we want to catch the train. 電車に間に合いたいなら、早く出発しなければなりません。

Common Mistakes

Japanese learners often confuse "must not" with "do not have to".

Wrong: "You must not bring a pen."

Right: "You do not have to bring a pen."

"Must not" means it is forbidden. "Do not have to" means it is not necessary. Learners also sometimes write "must to".

Wrong: "I must to study."

Right: "I must study."

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