JLPT N1 Grammar – Difference between “〜べからず” and “〜べからざる”
Table of Contents
1. Difference between “〜べからず” and “〜べからざる”
2. 〜べからず
3. 〜べからざる
4. Summary
5. Similer Articles
6. Comment
Q: What is the difference between “〜べからず” and “〜べからざる”?
A: Both are classical expressions, but they differ in meaning and usage.
“〜べからず” expresses prohibition, meaning “must not do,” and is often seen in signs and warnings.
On the other hand, “〜べからざる” means “cannot be done” or “should not be done.” It is used mainly to modify nouns and appears in literary or formal styles.
べからず (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
(Prohibition / Prohibitive command)
Must not do / Do not / Please don’t do
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form + べからず
*For the verb “する,” both “するべからず” and “すべからず” are used.
[Examples]
展示品に手を触れるべからず。
Do not touch the exhibits.
これは許すべからず行為です。
This is an unforgivable act.
“べからず” is a classical expression that attaches to verbs to strongly convey prohibition.
It is rarely used in modern spoken language, but can still be found in formal contexts such as signs, notices, and warning placards.
[Examples]
（立札の注意書き）ここに入るべからず。
(Signboard warning) Do not enter here.
⇒ This means “Please do not enter this area.”
ごみは持ち帰らないと。あそこに「ここにごみを捨てるべからず」って書いてあるよ。
We have to take our trash home. It says “Do not throw garbage here” over there.
子供の頃、祖父によく「人の恩を忘れるべからず」と言われました。
When I was a child, my grandfather often told me, “Never forget the kindness of others.”
[Commonly Used Expression]
◆ “初心忘るべからず”
This is a well-known set phrase still frequently used today.
Because it is a classical expression, the verb is read “wasuru” instead of the modern “wasureru.”
“初心” (shoshin) refers to the pure mindset one has when starting something — the initial enthusiasm, tension, or nervousness before becoming familiar or experienced.
The phrase is used as a reminder not to forget that original spirit, especially when one becomes too relaxed or overconfident with time.
[Examples]
A：最近は仕事も慣れてきて、少し余裕がでてきました。
B：それはいいことだね。でも気が緩むとミスも増えるから「初心忘るべからず」だよ。
A: I’ve gotten used to my job recently, and I’m starting to feel a bit more at ease.
B: That’s a good thing. But when you let your guard down, mistakes can increase — so Never forget your original intentions.
プロになっても「初心忘るからず」という言葉を胸に刻んでいる。
Even as a professional, I keep the phrase “Never forget your beginner’s spirit” engraved in my heart.
べからざる (JLPT N1)
[Meaning]
(Impossibility / Prohibition / Denial)
Cannot do / Should not do / Must not do
[Rule]
[V] Verb dictionary form + べからざる
[Examples]
彼はいい人ですが、言うべからざることを言うことがあります。
He is a good person, but sometimes says things that should not be said.
現代ではデジタルツールは生活するうえで欠くべからざるものです。
In modern life, digital tools are indispensable.
“べからざる” attaches to the end of a verb and modifies the noun that follows. It emphasizes impossibility or the idea that something must not be done, strongly highlighting the seriousness or severity of the noun it describes.
This expression is somewhat literary and formal, and is rarely used in everyday spoken language.
[Examples]
これは許すべからざる行為です。
This is an unforgivable act.
⇒ It means an act that must never be forgiven or cannot be forgiven.
これは決して繰り返してはならない忘れるべからざる過ちです。
This is a never-to-be-repeated, unforgettable mistake.
環境保護は、現代社会において軽視すべからざる課題です。
Environmental protection is an issue that must not be overlooked in modern society.
[Commonly Used Expression]
◆ 欠くべからざる + noun
A fixed expression meaning “extremely important” or “indispensable.”
[Examples]
水は生きるうえで欠くべからざるものです。
Water is indispensable for living.
鈴木さんはプロジェクトのリーダーとして欠くべからざる人物です。
Mr. Suzuki is an indispensable person as the leader of the project.
Summary
[べからざる]
- Attached to the end of a verb, “べからざる” modifies a noun to emphasize impossibility or the idea that something must not be done. It highlights the seriousness or gravity of the following noun.
- This expression is literary and formal, and rarely used in spoken language.
- The fixed phrase “欠くべからざる〜” means “an extremely important or indispensable 〜.”
[べからず]
- Also attached to verbs, “べからず” is a classical expression that emphasizes prohibition.
- Although not used in everyday conversation, it still appears in formal writings such as signs or public notices.
- “初心忘るべからず” (“Never forget your original intent or passion”) remains a well-known set phrase used even today.
Similer Articles
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