JLPT N5 grammar

〜なくちゃ

〜なくちゃ means have to; gotta (casual). It is a JLPT N5 grammar point. This is a short spoken form of 〜なくてはいけない, used casually to mean 'have to.' Even when いけない is omitted, the sense of obligation remains.

Japanese sources describe it as 「しなくては(話し言葉)」.

〜なくちゃ examples

もう帰らなくちゃ。

I have to go home now.

宿題をしなくちゃ。

I have to do my homework.

〜なくちゃ exercises

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

  1. 早く寝( )。

    • なくちゃ ✓
    • なくてもいい
    • ないで
    • てもいい

    I have to sleep early.

  2. 明日、学校へ行か( )。

    • ないで
    • なくてもいい
    • ないでしょう
    • なくちゃ ✓

    I have to go to school tomorrow.

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