〜てはいけません

Pattern

〜てはいけません

Level

N5

Reading

てはいけません

Meaning

Must not / You cannot...

Attaches to

Verb て-form

Nuance & register

Formal prohibition or rule statement.

Example

ここでタバコを吸ってはいけません。 (You must not smoke here.)

Easily confused with

〜てもいいです gives permission, whereas 〜てはいけません prohibits an action.

More from Grammar Points