いけないよ

ikenai yo
phraseIntermediate you shouldn't
informal

A gentle way to tell someone they shouldn't do something, often used by parents or elders to children

夜遅くまで起きていてはいけないよ

You shouldn't stay up so late

そんなに怒らないでいけないよ

You shouldn't get so angry

💡

This phrase is often used in a caring or protective way, not as a strict command

Related Phrases

💡Pro Tip

Tone matters

This phrase is softer than いけません and is often used with children or people you're close to.

Gold Rule

Context is key

Use this phrase when you want to gently correct someone's behavior, not when giving strict orders.

📖Word Origin

From いけない (shouldn't) + よ (sentence-ending particle for softening tone)

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used by parents to children or by elders to younger people in a caring way. It's less formal than いけません and carries a softer tone.

Word Breakdown

いけない
shouldn't
root
+
sentence-ending particle for softening tone
suffix
和英辞典