Lesson 21

Are you studying Japanese with Minna no Nihongo? In Lesson 21, you will learn how to give advice, talk about rules, and say whether something is allowed or not. These are useful for everyday life, work, and travel in Japan.

This article will explain the grammar, important vocabulary, and give you easy examples. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner — we will keep things very clear and simple. Let’s get started!

Lesson
Minna no Nihongo 21

🔑 Focus
Giving Advice & Talking About Rules

🎓 Level
Beginner

💡

Learn How to Give Advice in Japanese

📘 Vocabulary

• たばこ – Cigarette
• くるま – Car
• へや – Room
• きをつけます – To be careful
• もんだい – Problem
• だめです – Not allowed / No good
• いいです – OK / Good

🧠 Grammar Point

In Lesson 21, you learn how to give advice and talk about rules:

[Verb in plain form] + なければなりません
→ You must do something.
Example: くすりを のまなければなりません。 → You must take medicine.

[Verb in て-form] + はいけません
→ You must not do something.
Example: ここで たばこを すってはいけません。 → You must not smoke here.

💬 Example Sentences

• ここで たばこを すってはいけません。→ Don’t smoke here.
• へやに はいっても いいですか。→ Can I enter the room?
• パスポートを みせなければなりません。→ You must show your passport.
• ここで しゃしんを とっても いいです。→ You can take pictures here.

📝 Tips for Practice

• Practice saying what is allowed and not allowed in your school or office.
• Use flashcards for verbs and rules vocabulary.
• Watch videos or anime with subtitles and notice these grammar forms.
• Try writing simple rules in Japanese — like classroom rules or home rules.

📚 What’s Next?

In Lesson 22, you will learn how to talk about hobbies and say “I can” or “I cannot” do something. But first, make sure you practice Lesson 21 well. These grammar points are very useful in daily Japanese life.

Note: This article is made for learners using Minna no Nihongo. Practice a little every day and you’ll improve quickly!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it okay if I don’t understand て-form well?
It’s okay. This lesson helps you practice て-form naturally.

Q2: Do I need to learn kanji for these rules?
No. You can use hiragana. Kanji is helpful but not required here.

Q3: What is the hardest part?
Many learners confuse てはいけません and なければなりません. Keep practicing!

Q4: How can I get better?
Write your own sentences and speak them aloud. Use real-life examples.