Translation guide
Expresses obligation or necessity. Japanese uses several patterns depending on context, formality, and whether the obligation is personal, social, or situational.
Expressing that something must be done, without specifying who imposes the obligation.
Standard pattern for 'must/have to'. Attach to verb negative stem (ない-form minus ない). Formal and written, but also used in speech.
I have to submit the report by tomorrow.
I have to practice every day.
Similar to ～なければならない, but slightly more subjective/personal. Often used for things you feel you must do.
I have to go now.
Casual equivalent of ～なければいけない. Very common in daily conversation.
I have to wake up early.
Very casual contraction of ～なければ. Often used without ならない/いけない in informal speech.
I gotta do my homework.
Formal/written pattern, similar to ～なければならない but slightly more emphatic.
We must follow the rules.
Expressing that you have to do something because of a situation or rule, not personal feeling.
Expressing that you should do something because it's the right thing to do, or expected by society.
Expresses 'should/ought to' based on moral duty or common sense. Attach to dictionary form of verb. する becomes すべき.
Expressing prohibition: 'must not do' or 'have to not do'.
Standard prohibition pattern. Attach to て-form of verb.
Both mean 'must/have to', but なければならない is more formal and objective, while ないといけない is more casual and subjective. In daily conversation, ないといけない or its contracted forms (なきゃ, なくちゃ) are more natural.
I have to submit the report. (formal)
We had to cancel the game due to bad weather.
Expresses that there is no other choice. Attach to dictionary form of verb. Casual to neutral.
I have no choice but to do it.
You should keep your promises.
Used for general social expectations or common sense. Attach to dictionary form.
You should use polite language with elders.
You must not take photos here.
Formal/written prohibition, stronger than ～てはいけない.
You must not leak secrets.
Casual prohibition. Contraction of ～てはだめ.
Don't touch!
I gotta submit the report. (casual)
English 'have to' is often used for mild obligations or suggestions. In Japanese, using strong obligation patterns like ～なければならない for minor things can sound overly dramatic. For light suggestions, consider ～たほうがいい (should) or ～たらどう？ (why don't you?).
You have to try this!
Using a strong recommendation instead of obligation pattern