JLPT N4 Elementary
無くてはいけない
「なくてはいけない」
Indispensable or obligatory; expressing that something is essential or must be done
Readings
Other forms
なくてはならない very similar meaning
なければいけない common variation
なきゃ casual contraction
ないと casual
1 Expression (used with verbs)
Have to do" / "Must
Conveys that an action is mandatory because not doing it would be wrong or problematic.
Example
明日 は テスト が ある から 、 今夜 は 勉強 しなくては いけない 。
I have a test tomorrow, so I have to study tonight.
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2 Expression (used with nouns)
Indispensable" / "Can't do without
Describes a necessary condition or item without which a situation cannot proceed or be valid.
Usage notes & examples
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