〜ない方がいい
〜ない方がいい means had better not; should not. It is a JLPT N4 grammar point. Attach it to the nai-form to advise someone not to do something. It is softer than a prohibition, but it clearly says avoiding the action is better.
Japanese sources describe it as 「しないほうがいい」.
〜ない方がいい examples
夜おそく電話しない方がいい。
You should not call late at night.
この水は飲まない方がいい。
You had better not drink this water.
〜ない方がいい exercises
Pick what belongs in the parentheses. The answer is marked below.
今日は雨だから、外で遊ば（ ）。
- ない方がいい ✓
- た方がいい
- なくてはいけない
- てみる
It is raining today, so you should not play outside.
おなかが痛いなら、冷たい物を飲ま（ ）。
- てもいい
- ない方がいい ✓
- なさい
- てある
If your stomach hurts, you should not drink cold things.
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