いけません

Meanings

1

wrong; not good; of no use

usually written using kana alone

Used to express that something is morally wrong, inappropriate, or useless. Often appears in admonishments or when pointing out a mistake.

See also: いけない

そんなことをしてはいけません。
You must not do such a thing.
うそをつくのはいけません。
Telling lies is wrong.

2

hopeless; past hope

usually written using kana alone

Describes a situation or person that is beyond help or recovery. Often used with a resigned tone.

See also: いけない

彼かれの病びょう気きはもういけません。
His illness is hopeless now.

3

usually written using kana alone

Used in the pattern 〜てはいけません to express prohibition. This is a core grammatical usage.

See also: いけない

ここで写しゃ真しんを撮とってはいけません。
You must not take pictures here.

4

cannot go

Only when written 行けません

Literal negative potential form of 行く (to go). Rarely written with kanji except in this literal sense.

明日あしたは用よう事じがあって行いけません。
I have something to do tomorrow and cannot go.