な
Don't! (prohibition) / Emphasis
na
TypeFinal
JLPT Leveln4
Summary
A sentence-ending particle used as a casual prohibition ('don't do') or as emphatic confirmation.
Usage Rules
- •Prohibition: Vな = don't do (strong, abrupt)
- •Confirmation: 〜な = isn't it? (masculine, like ね)
- •Soliciting agreement: more masculine than ね
- •Soft prohibition: 〜なよ = don't (softer than な alone)
- •Used mostly by men in casual speech
- •Not used with polite forms
Example Sentences
行くな！
Don't go!
さわるな！
Don't touch!
これはいいな。
This is nice, isn't it?
そんなことするなよ。
Don't do that (soft warning).
すごいな。
That's amazing (isn't it?).
Common Mistake
Using the prohibition な with polite forms (な attaches to dictionary form, not ます form).