べからず
JLPT Level: N1
Meanings
Do not
Must not
Should not
Cannot (べからざる)
Usage
Verb (dictionary form) + べからず
Noun + べからず
べからざる + Noun
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.
立ち入るべからず。
たちいるべからず。
Do not enter.
写真を撮るべからず。
しゃしんをとるべからず。
Do not take photographs.
これはべからざる事実だ。
これはべからざるじじつだ。
This is an undeniable fact.