いけない

ikenai
adjectiveBeginner not good, bad, wrong
informal

Not good, bad, or wrong, often used to express disapproval or concern.

そんなに甘いものを食べたらいけないよ。

You shouldn't eat so many sweets.

この問題はいけない状態だ。

This situation is bad.

💡

Often used in casual conversation to gently scold or warn someone.

informal

To be unwell or sick (informal, often used by children).

今日は体調が悪いから、学校を休む。いけない。

I'm not feeling well today, so I'll skip school. I'm sick.

💡

Used by children or in playful contexts to express being unwell.

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Casual Usage

This word is very common in everyday speech and is often used to gently scold or warn someone.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning can vary slightly depending on the context, so pay attention to how it's used in sentences.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'いく' (to go) with the negative form 'ない', originally meaning 'not going' in a metaphorical sense.

📝Usage Notes

Often used in casual speech to express mild disapproval or concern. Can also be used playfully by children to mean 'I'm sick'.

Word Breakdown

いけ
not going (metaphorically)
root
+
ない
negative form
suffix
和英辞典