Verbる べからず (〜ru bekara zu)
JLPT N1
Explanation
Expresses the idea of 'must not do' or 'should not do'.
Formation
Verb-ru + べからず
Detailed Explanation
The ～るべからず grammar point is used to express a strong prohibition or firmly established rule. It can be translated as 'must not do' or 'should not do'. It is common in formal or instructive settings (e.g., signs, notices). The formation is straightforward with verbs in dictionary form followed by べからず.
Examples
嘘をつくべからず。
Uso o tsuku bekara zu.
One must not tell lies.
彼らの秘密を漏らすべからず。
Karera no himitsu o morasu bekara zu.
You must not leak their secrets.
ルールを破るべからず。
Ruuru o yaburu bekara zu.
You must not break the rules.
勉強を怠るべからず。
Benkyou o okotaru bekara zu.
One must not neglect their studies.
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.