Grammar Info

N5 Lesson 9: 11/13

ない方(ほう)がいい

It'd be better not to, Shouldn't do

Structure

Verb［ない］+ 方(ほう) + が + いい

Details

  • Part of Speech

    Expression

  • Word Type

    Adjective

  • Register

    Standard

  • 品詞

    表現

  • 単語の種類

    形容詞

  • 使用域

    一般

About ないほうがいい

Like たほうがいい, ないほうがいい is used in Japanese for giving advice. However, this expression suggests that it is better 'not' to do something.

This phrase is constructed by using the negative form of a verb grouped with 方(ほう), the particle が, and the い-Adjective, いい.

As 方(ほう) can be translated closely to 'way', or 'direction', this expression is suggesting that one specific choice is simply the better 'way'.

This expression is quite direct, and can imply that there may be some sort of negative consequence if the (A) verb is done.

Examples

--:--

    これはお兄(にい)ちゃんが買(か)ったピザだから、食(た)べないほうがいいよ。

    Since this is pizza my brother bought, it'd be better not to eat it.

    その肉(にく)を食(た)べないほうがいい。

    It'd be better not to eat that meat.

    タバコを吸(す)わないほうがいい。

    It would be better not to smoke cigarettes.

    汚(よご)れないほうがいい。

    It would be better not to get dirty.

    一人(ひとり)で行(い)かないほうがいい。

    It would be better not to go alone.

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ないほうがいい – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (20 in total)

  • bilowik

    bilowik

    Would using the polite non-past negative be grammatically incorrect, or just sound awkward? IE: その肉を食べませんほうがいい[です?]

  • nekoyama

    nekoyama

    It would be both incorrect and awkward

  • bilowik

    bilowik

    Thanks so much for the additional insight!

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