N1112/186

べからず

Verb (dictionary form) + べからずNoun + べからずべからざる + Noun

Meanings

  • Do not
  • Must not
  • Should not
  • Cannot (べからざる)

About this pattern

Explanation

べからず is a classical, formal prohibition form meaning strongly 'do not' or 'you must not'. It is often found in written notices, literature, or historical/legal contexts. It sounds archaic or solemn when used in modern speech, and it is best avoided in casual conversation. The accompanying べからざる is the prenominal form used to describe something that is 'undeniable/indispensable' or 'unavoidable' depending on context, but commonly conveys the sense of 'cannot be ~' or 'indisputable ~' as an attributive modifier to a noun.

Learn in context

Example sentences

立ち入るべからず。

Do not enter.

写真を撮るべからず。

Do not take photographs.

これはべからざる事実だ。

This is an undeniable fact.