ないでくださいPlease do not
ないでください politely but directly asks the listener not to do something. It is common in personal requests, warnings, signs, and instructions.
How it works
Put the action into its plain negative form, then add でください. The result addresses the listener and asks them to refrain from that action.
A personal request
窓を開けないでください。
Please do not open the window.
AnalyzeRules and warnings
On signs and in institutional instructions, the same form presents a prohibition as a polite request.
Doing versus not doing
てください asks the listener to perform an action. In contrast, ないでください asks the listener not to perform it.
ドアを閉めてください。
Please close the door.
AnalyzeThis is the positive request: it asks for the action to be done.
More examples
赤ちゃんが寝ています。大きな音を出さないでください。
The baby is sleeping. Please do not make loud noises.
Analyzeそのことはまだ誰にも言わないでください。
Please do not tell anyone about that yet.
Analyze試験中は辞書を使わないでください。
Please do not use a dictionary during the exam.
Analyze工事中です。ここから先へ行かないでください。
Construction is in progress. Please do not go beyond this point.
Analyzeこの薬を飲んだあと、車を運転しないでください。
After taking this medicine, please do not drive.
Analyze展示品に手を触れないでください。
Please do not touch the exhibits.
Analyze