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いけないよ
ikenai yo
you shouldn't
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
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よ
sentence-ending particle for softening tone
suffix和英辞典