Translation guide
The English word 'not' is used to negate verbs, adjectives, nouns, and entire clauses. In Japanese, negation is built into the verb or adjective itself, rather than using a separate word like 'not'. This guide covers the main ways to express negation in Japanese, organized by grammatical function.
Express that an action does not happen or a state is not true.
The negative form of verbs is created by changing the verb ending to its ない-form. For る-verbs, replace る with ない; for う-verbs, change the final kana to the あ-row and add ない. This is the standard way to say 'not [verb]'.
I do not eat meat.
He will not come.
For い-adjectives, replace the final い with くない to make the negative form. This means 'not [adjective]'.
This room is not spacious.
For nouns and な-adjectives, use ではない (or the more formal ではありません) to mean 'is not'. In casual speech, じゃない is common.
He is not a student.
The polite negative form of verbs uses ません instead of ない. This is used in formal or polite contexts.
I do not eat meat. (polite)
Say that something does not exist or is not present.
The plain negative form of ある (to exist, for inanimate objects). Used to say 'there is no X' or 'X does not exist'.
Tell someone not to do something.
Polite way to ask someone not to do something. Literally 'please don't V'.
Express that something did not happen or was not true.
Past negative form of verbs. Change ない to なかった.
I did not study yesterday.
Express that something is not entirely true or not always the case.
Means 'not necessarily'. Used with a negative predicate.
Use two negatives to express a strong affirmative or obligation.
Literally 'if not do, it won't become', meaning 'must do' or 'have to do'. A common double negative expressing obligation.
Unlike English, Japanese does not have a standalone word 'not' that can be placed before any word. Negation is expressed by conjugating the verb, adjective, or copula. Using ノット or similar is not natural.
ない is the plain (casual) form, while ありません is the polite form. Use ありません in formal settings, with strangers, or when speaking politely. ない is used in casual conversation, plain-form clauses, and within relative clauses.
I have no money. (casual)
今日は寒くない。
It is not cold today.
この町は静かではない。
This town is not quiet.
彼は来ません。
He will not come. (polite)
お金がない。
I have no money.
There is no time.
The plain negative form of いる (to exist, for animate beings). Used to say 'there is no one' or 'X is not here'.
There is no one.
The cat is not here.
Polite negative of ある. Used in formal situations.
I have no questions. (polite)
Please do not take photos here.
Casual way to say 'don't do V'. Used among friends or in informal situations.
Strong, blunt negative command. Attach directly to the dictionary form of the verb. Can sound rough or masculine.
Can be very direct and impolite; use with caution.
Don't touch!
Past negative of い-adjectives. Change くない to くなかった.
It was not cold yesterday.
Past negative of nouns and な-adjectives. Change ではない to ではなかった.
He was not a teacher.
Expensive things are not necessarily good.
Means 'it is not always the case that'. Used to express that something is not universally true.
He is not always right.
I have to do my homework.
Casual equivalent of なければならない, meaning 'must do'. Literally 'if not do, it's no good'.
I have to go now.
I have no money. (polite)