Examples
Meaning
〜ないでください means please do not do something. It is the negative request form used when asking someone not to take an action.
Formation
Use the negative ない form of a verb and add でください. For example, 食べる becomes 食べないでください, and 入る becomes 入らないでください.
Usage
Use this pattern when you want to stop someone from doing something, give a polite warning, or explain a rule gently. It is common in signs, instructions, and daily conversation.
Nuance
〜ないでください is polite, but it can still sound like a clear request or warning. The tone depends on the situation and voice. In rules, it is softer than very strong prohibition forms.
Comparison
〜てください asks someone to do something, while 〜ないでください asks someone not to do something. 〜てはいけません is stronger and means something is not allowed.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is saying the plain negative form only, such as 食べない, when a polite request is needed. Another mistake is using 〜てください with a negative meaning. Use 食べないでください, not 食べてください, when you mean please do not eat.
Related Grammar
て形
The て形, or te-form, is a basic verb form used to connect actions and build many beginner grammar patterns, including requests, permission, and prohibition.
〜てください
〜てください, or te kudasai, is used to make a polite request, such as asking someone to do something for you or giving a simple instruction.
〜てはいけない
〜てはいけない, or te wa ikenai, means that doing something is not allowed. The polite form 〜てはいけません is common in rules and instructions.
〜てもいい
〜てもいい, or te mo ii, means that doing something is okay or allowed. It is also used in question form to ask for permission.