な
🃏 Flashcard
な
na
Tap to reveal usage
don’t ~ (order somebody to not do ~)
N4
Tap to test your recall · +10 XP
📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N4
Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences
Reading
na
Post ID
50729
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
don’t ~ (order somebody to not do ~)
📖 How to use it
Imperative negative meaning 'don't do ~', used for commands or strong requests.
Attaches to
Attach な to the dictionary form of a verb (e.g., 行く -> 行くな).
This pattern creates a direct, forceful command telling someone not to do something. It is formed simply by adding な to the dictionary form of a verb. It is very blunt and is typically used by people in authority (like a parent to a child, or a boss to an employee) or in situations where there is a sense of urgency or anger. It is not polite. In casual conversation, you will hear it among friends, but it can sound harsh, so use it carefully.
ここで写真を撮るな。
Koko de shashin o toru na.
Don't take pictures here.
そんなに心配するな。
Sonna ni shinpai suru na.
Don't worry so much.
明日は遅れるなよ。
Ashita wa okureru na yo.
Don't be late tomorrow, okay?
Not 〜ないでください
〜ないでください is a polite request meaning 'please don't do', while な is a blunt command. Use ないでください in formal or polite situations; use な only with people you are familiar with or in situations where a strong order is needed.
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This is a blunt, direct command used in casual or urgent speech. It is not polite and is typically avoided in formal settings.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
な
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat な three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using な. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N4 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern な mean?
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Don’t ~ (order somebody to not do ~)
What JLPT level is な?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N4 — Upper-Beginner · Forming complex sentences. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use な in a sentence?
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Attach な (na) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is な formal or casual Japanese?
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な is used in both casual and polite contexts. It appears frequently in everyday conversation, textbooks, and simple written materials.
How can I remember な long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.