Introduction

The grammar pattern te form + wa ikemasen is an essential JLPT N4 grammar used to say that an action is not allowed or is prohibited. This grammar appears very often in daily conversation, public signs, rules, school instructions, workplace notices, and JLPT N4 listening and reading sections. Learners usually study this pattern together with te form + mo ii desu because both are used to talk about rules and permission.

This article explains the grammar clearly in simple English for Japanese learners. All Japanese examples are written only in hiragana and katakana, with no kanji.

Grammar Structure Explained

verb in te form + wa ikemasen

This grammar is used when the speaker wants to say that an action must not be done. The verb must always be changed into te form before adding wa ikemasen.

Meaning in English

This pattern means "must not do something" or "you are not allowed to do something". It expresses prohibition and rules.

When to Use This Grammar

You use te form + wa ikemasen in the following situations. When talking about rules and regulations. When explaining what is not allowed. When reading or listening to public notices. When giving clear instructions politely.

This grammar is polite and commonly used in public and formal daily situations.

Examples

1. koko de tabete wa ikemasen。 you must not eat here.

2. koko de tabako o sutte wa ikemasen。 you must not smoke here.

3. shashin o totte wa ikemasen。 you must not take photos.

4. jugyou chuu ni hanashite wa ikemasen。 you must not talk during class.

5. koko ni kuruma o tomete wa ikemasen。 you must not park your car here.

Important Grammar Notes

The verb must always be in te form. Correct usage example: tabete wa ikemasen Incorrect usage example: taberu wa ikemasen

This grammar sounds polite but firm. It is commonly seen on signs and announcements. In casual speech, people often use shorter forms, but for JLPT N4, this full form is important.

Common Mistakes by Learners

Using dictionary form instead of te form. Confusing this grammar with te form + mo ii desu. Forgetting wa in the structure.

Learners should remember that mo ii desu means permission, while wa ikemasen means prohibition.

JLPT N4 Exam Point

In JLPT N4, te form + wa ikemasen often appears in reading questions such as notices, rules, and signs. It also appears in listening questions where someone explains rules or instructions. This grammar is frequently tested together with te form + mo ii desu to check understanding of allowed and not allowed actions.

Short Practice

Change the verb into te form and make a prohibition sentence. Example: hairu → haitte wa ikemasen

Practice verbs. taberu hashiru shaberu kuruma o tomeru

Summary

Te form + wa ikemasen is a core JLPT N4 grammar pattern used to express prohibition. The verb must always be in te form. This grammar appears frequently in JLPT N4 listening and reading sections, especially in rules and notices. Mastering this pattern will help you clearly understand what is not allowed in Japanese.

JLPT N4 Grammar te form wa ikemasen Explained | Prohibition in Japanese