ないでください
Please Don't
Use ないでください to make a polite request for someone to refrain from an action. It translates to 'Please don't [verb].'
How It Works
The pattern ないでください is a foundational structure in Japanese for polite negative requests. It is softer than a command but clear in its intent.
1. Construction:
To form this, you must first change the verb into its negative short form (nai-form) and then add でください.
- Group 1 (U-verbs): Change the final vowel to the 'a' row.
Critical Exception: For verbs ending in the hiragana う, change it to わ (not あ).
Example: 書く（かく）→ 書かないでください (Please don't write).
Example: 買う（かう）→ 買わないでください (Please don't buy). - Group 2 (Ru-verbs): Remove the final る.
Example: 食べる（たべる）→ 食べないでください (Please don't eat). - Irregular verbs:
する → しないでください (Please don't do).
来る（くる）→ 来（こ）ないでください (Please don't come).
2. Usage and Nuance:
While this is polite (using the kudasai ending), it is still a direct request. In public spaces, it is often used on signs to indicate rules (e.g., 'Please don't take photos'). In personal conversation, it is used to show concern or give instructions, such as 'Please don't worry.'
Social Note: Because it is a direct request, it can sound authoritative or 'bossy' when used toward social superiors like teachers or bosses. In professional contexts, softer forms like 〜ないでいただけませんか are preferred.
3. Casual Form:
In casual conversation with friends and family, you can simply drop ください and say 〜ないで to make a casual negative request (e.g., 行かないで！ - Don't go!).
4. Comparison:
It is the negative counterpart to 〜てください (Please do). However, note that the connector is ないで, not なくて. While 〜なくて is used for reasons or connecting adjectives, ないで is specifically used for the manner of an action ('without doing') or in this request pattern.
Examples (4)
- ここで写真を撮らないでください。
Please don't take photos here.
Word by Word: Here at / photos / (object marker) / don't take / please.
撮る（とる） becomes 撮らない（とらない） before adding でください. This is a common instruction found in museums or private areas.
- 無理をしないでください。
Please don't overdo it.
Word by Word: Impossible / (object marker) / don't do / please.
This is a very common set phrase used to tell someone not to push themselves too hard or work to the point of exhaustion.
- 私のことは心配しないでください。
Please don't worry about me.
Word by Word: Me / (possessive) / thing / as for / worry / don't do / please.
心配する（しんぱいする） is an irregular verb that becomes 心配しない（しんぱいしない） in the negative form.
- まだ食べないでください。
Please don't eat yet.
Word by Word: Yet / don't eat / please.
Uses the negative form of the Group 2 verb 食べる（たべる） to ask someone to wait before eating.
Common Mistakes
Using the polite negative form (~masen) instead of the short negative form (~nai).
書きませんでください。書かないでください。You cannot attach でください to the polite ます form. You must use the short negative (ない) form.
Using 'nakute' instead of 'naide'.
食べなくてください。食べないでください。Although both are negative 'te-forms' in a sense, only 'naide' is used for requests. 'Nakute' is generally used for reasons or connecting adjectives.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'nai de kudasai', you must first understand how to group and conjugate verbs into their negative forms. It also builds upon the basic concept of making polite requests using 'kudasai'.
Related Patterns
- ない形Plain Negative
The base negative form required to build the 'naide kudasai' structure.
Level 2 - てはいけないMust Not
A stronger, more authoritative prohibition ('must not') compared to the polite request of 'naide kudasai'.
Level 2 - ないでWithout Doing
The conjunctive form used to mean 'without doing,' which serves as the grammatical basis for this pattern.
Level 2 - なくてBecause Not/and Not
A similar-looking negative conjunctive form often confused with 'naide,' but used for reasons or adjectives.
Level 2 - くださいPlease Give/do
The polite imperative suffix used for making requests.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice ないでください in Bubblegum
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