〜なければいけない
〜なければいけない means must; need to. It is a JLPT N4 grammar point. Attach it to the stem of the nai-form to express that something needs to be done. It is a little more common in everyday speech than なければならない and can be used for rules or promises.
Japanese sources describe it as 「必要・義務」.
〜なければいけない examples
今日は早く帰らなければいけない。
I have to go home early today.
駅で友だちを待たなければいけない。
I have to wait for my friend at the station.
〜なければいけない exercises
Pick what belongs in the parentheses. The answer is marked below.
明日の朝、六時に起き（ ）。
- てみたい
- なければいけない ✓
- ない方がいい
- てある
I have to get up at six tomorrow morning.
図書館では静かにし（ ）。
- なければいけない ✓
- てもいい
- てみる
- たらどう
You must be quiet in the library.
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