Understanding するな (Suru na): Mastering Strong Negative Commands in Japanese

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Japanese Grammar Template
Meaning & Usage

✨ Basic Meaning

The basic meaning of するな (suru na) is ‘Don’t do’. It’s a direct and often forceful way to tell someone not to perform an action.

🎯 Primary Function

To express a strong prohibition or a direct command for someone to stop or not perform a specific action.

📋 Grammar Structure

Verb (Dictionary/Plain Form) + な

🎭 Usage Contexts

🏢 Formal Situations

Generally not used in formal situations as it is considered impolite and too direct.

😊 Informal Situations

Commonly used in informal situations, particularly when speaking to family members, close friends, children, or subordinates. It can express frustration, anger, or strong instruction.

✍️ Written Language

Frequently seen in written warnings, signs, instructions (especially concise or informal ones), manga, and other casual writing.

🗣️ Spoken Language

Very common in informal spoken Japanese when giving direct commands or prohibitions.

💡 Common Applications

Giving warnings or prohibitions
Used to warn someone strongly against doing something potentially harmful or wrong.
Example: 危ないから、そこへ行くな。(Abunai kara, soko e iku na.) – It’s dangerous, so don’t go there.
Issuing direct orders
Used to tell someone directly and firmly not to do something.
Example: 遅刻するなよ。(Chikoku suru na yo.) – Don’t be late!
Expressing frustration or anger
Can be used to sharply tell someone to stop doing something annoying or unacceptable.
Example: うるさい！文句を言うな！(Urusai! Monku o iu na!) – Shut up! Don’t complain!
📊
Frequency
Moderately frequent in informal speech and specific written contexts like signs and warnings.
🎚️
Difficulty
Moderate. While the structure is simple, understanding the appropriate context and politeness level is crucial for N4 learners.
Example Sentences
壁に落書きするな。
Don’t graffiti on the wall.
夜遅くまで起きているな。
Don’t stay up until late at night.
試験中に隣を見るな！
Don’t look at the person next to you during the exam!
Notes & Nuances

📌 Important Points

Strong Prohibition
するな (suru na) is a very direct and strong way to forbid an action. It carries more force than ～ないでください (naide kudasai).
Example: 子供に「走るな！」と言う。(Kodomo ni “Hashiru na!” to iu.) – You say “Don’t run!” to a child.
Usage with Dictionary Form
Always attach な to the dictionary (plain) form of the verb, not the ます form or ない form.
Example: Correct: 読むな (yomu na) – Don’t read. Incorrect: 読みますな (yomimasu na), 読まないな (yomanai na).

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Using it in formal situations or towards superiors.
✅ Use ～ないでください (naide kudasai) or other more polite forms.
するな (suru na) expresses a strong, informal command. It is impolite when formality or respect is required.
❌ Attaching な to the ます form or ない form.
✅ Always attach な to the dictionary form of the verb.
The grammar rule specifically requires the dictionary form (e.g., する, 行く, 食べる).

🏛️ Cultural Context

Politeness Level: Very Low. It is a command form and lacks politeness.
Social Situations: Appropriate for speaking to children, subordinates, very close friends, or in non-personal contexts like public signs or warnings. In personal interactions with peers or superiors, it can sound harsh or rude.
Regional Variations: The core meaning is standard, but some dialects might use alternative negative imperative forms. The perceived harshness can also vary slightly depending on tone and region.

🔍 Subtle Differences

するな vs. ～ないでください (naide kudasai)
するな is a strong, direct command/prohibition (often authoritative or expressing frustration). ～ないでください is a polite negative request.
When to use: Use するな for signs, scolding children, or very informal, strong prohibitions. Use ～ないでください for polite requests not to do something in most social situations.
するな vs. ～てはいけない (te wa ikenai) / ～てはだめだ (te wa dame da)
するな is typically a direct, personal command from the speaker. ～てはいけない/～てはだめだ often express prohibition based on rules, circumstances, or general understanding.
When to use: Use するな for a direct order (“You, don’t do that!”). Use ～てはいけない/～てはだめだ when stating that an action is forbidden or not allowed (e.g., “Smoking is not allowed here.”).
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📝 Conjugation Notes

Attach な directly to the dictionary (plain) form of all verb types (Group 1, Group 2, Irregular). Examples: 読む -> 読むな, 食べる -> 食べるな, する -> するな, 来る -> 来るな.

🔊 Pronunciation Tips

Pronounce な with a clear “a” sound. When used as a strong command, the intonation often drops sharply at the end.

🧠 Memory Tips

Think of な as a firm “No!” attached to the base action (verb dictionary form). Visualize a stop sign with the verb + な on it.

Practice Exercises
Choose the correct negative command for the verb 「行く」(to go).
行きますな
行かないな
行く な
行ってな
Which situation would するな be most appropriate?
Asking your teacher not to give homework.
Warning your younger sibling not to touch a hot stove.
Asking a stranger not to block the aisle.
Requesting your boss not to assign extra work.

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