JLPT N5 grammar

〜ないほうがいい

〜ないほうがいい means had better not do. It is a JLPT N5 grammar point. Attach it to the nai-form of a verb to gently advise someone not to do something. It is softer than a command, but it still says that the action is not a good idea.

Japanese sources describe it as 「しないほうがいい」.

〜ないほうがいい examples

夜、コーヒーを飲まないほうがいいです。

You had better not drink coffee at night.

ここで写真を撮らないほうがいいです。

You had better not take pictures here.

〜ないほうがいい exercises

Pick what belongs in the parentheses. The answer is marked below.

  1. あぶないですから、ここで走ら( )ほうがいいです。

    • ない ✓
    • たい
    • ます
    • た

    It is dangerous, so you had better not run here.

  2. 夜おそく電話し( )ほうがいいです。

    • た
    • ない ✓
    • たい
    • て

    You had better not call late at night.

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See the full JLPT N5 grammar list