なDirect prohibition
Put な directly after a verb’s dictionary form to give a forceful command not to do something.
A command, not a polite request
This form directly tells someone not to perform an action. Its shortness gives it considerable force, so the situation or the speaker’s authority must justify that force. It is especially natural when there is immediate danger or when a coach, commander, parent, or fictional character speaks firmly.
When the bluntness fits
The relationship and situation in these examples make the direct command natural.
A command to yourself
私は自分に言い聞かせた。「焦るな。落ち着け」
I told myself, “Don’t panic. Stay calm.”
AnalyzeThe same force can be directed inward as firm self-talk.
More examples
母親は子どもの手をつかんだ。「その薬に触るな！」
The mother grabbed the child’s hand. “Don’t touch that medicine!”
Analyze警備員が叫んだ。「動くな！」
The security guard shouted, “Don’t move!”
Analyze監督は選手たちに言った。「最後まであきらめるな！」
The coach told the players, “Don’t give up before the end!”
Analyze父は息子を厳しく叱った。「二度とそんなことをするな」
The father sternly scolded his son. “Never do that again.”
Analyze古い門に「ここから先へ進むな」と書いてあった。
An old gate bore the warning, “Do not proceed beyond this point.”
Analyze危ない！線路に入るな！
Danger! Don’t go onto the tracks!
Analyze