I believe some of you have already learned “〜てください” which means “please…(do something)”. Conversely, if you want to ask people not to do something, you could use “〜ないでください” which is we are going to learn today.
Basically, “〜ないでください” has two different meanings: instruction and attention. Let’s go through some examples.
1. Instruction
– テストの時は、辞書を使わないでください。(Please do not use the dictionary during the exam.)
– 集合時間に遅れないでください。(Please not be late.)
– このチケットは大切なので、なくさないでください。(Please do not lose the ticket as it’s very important.)
2. Attention
– 芝生に入らないでください。(Keep off the grass!)
– ここでサッカーをしないでください。(No soccer!)
– 花を採らないでください。(No picking flowers!)
As we can see, the difference between the two meanings is timing: 1 is “beforehand”, 2 is “on the spot”.
Next week I will introduce the ways of responding to “〜ないでください”. Enjoy your weekend. See you next time.