Translation guide
Expresses obligation or necessity, often with a sense of being compelled by external circumstances, rules, or moral duty. In Japanese, this is typically conveyed through conditional forms, set expressions, or constructions indicating that one 'must' or 'has to' do something.
Express that someone is required or forced to do something, often due to rules, circumstances, or duty.
The most standard and neutral way to say 'must' or 'have to'. It literally means 'if (I) don't do, it won't do', implying obligation. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
明日までにレポートを提出しなければならない。
I am obliged to submit the report by tomorrow.
He is obliged to take medicine every day.
Similar to なければならない, but slightly more colloquial. Often used in spoken Japanese to express obligation or necessity.
もう行かなくてはいけない。
I am obliged to go now.
A casual, spoken form of obligation. Often shortened to ないと in informal speech.
早く起きないといけない。
I am obliged to wake up early.
Expresses moral obligation or what one ought to do. Stronger sense of duty than なければならない. Often used for giving advice or stating social norms.
約束は守るべきだ。
One is obliged to keep promises.
Emphasize that the action is forced by external factors, leaving no alternative.
A formal expression meaning 'cannot help but do' or 'have no choice but to do'. Implies reluctance or inevitability due to circumstances.
悪天候のため、試合は中止せざるを得なかった。
Due to bad weather, we were obliged to cancel the game.
Means 'cannot avoid doing' or 'must do' due to social obligation or practical necessity. Stronger than なければならない.
上司に頼まれたので、やらないわけにはいかない。
Since my boss asked me, I am obliged to do it.
Express a feeling of being indebted to someone, often leading to a sense of obligation to reciprocate.
Literally 'to have a debt of gratitude'. Used when you feel obliged to someone because of past kindness or help.
彼には多大な恩義がある。
I am deeply obliged to him.
Literally 'to have a debt'. Can be used metaphorically to mean feeling obliged to someone.
彼に借りがあるから、頼みを断れない。
I am obliged to him, so I can't refuse his request.
Used in formal contexts to express obligation, often in business or official settings.
A formal, somewhat literary equivalent of なければならない. Often used in writing or formal speeches.
我々はこの問題を解決せねばならない。
We are obliged to solve this problem.
なければならない expresses obligation due to rules or circumstances, while べきだ expresses moral obligation or strong advice. Use なければならない for 'must' and べきだ for 'should/ought to'.
法律を守らなければならない。
You must obey the law.
法律を守るべきだ。
You should obey the law.
Direct translations like '義務づけられている' (gimuzukerareteiru) are overly formal and rarely used in everyday speech. Stick to the patterns above for natural Japanese.