Must not do with

Grammar: Prohibition » 〜てはだめだ

〜てはだめだ directly says that an action is not allowed or will not do. In speech, ては often contracts to ちゃ.

Usage Notes

〜てはだめだ is a direct way to say an action is not allowed or is no good. It can sound more immediate and conversational than 〜てはいけない.

In casual speech, ては contracts to ちゃ, as in しちゃだめ.

Related Grammar

  • Should not do with 〜てはいけない
    • Used to discourage (rather than prohibit) an action.
  • Must not do with 〜べからず
    • An old-fashioned way to strongly forbid an action.

Examples

Don't be found with 〜てはだめだ

Learn the meaning and usage of the grammar 〜てはだめだ in Japanese, with examples from manga.
ご注文はうさぎですか? » Volume 1 » Page 72

While telling ghost stories at night, Rize relays the tale from her childhood, of a frightened servant walking home one night. Rize says she herself was the culprit, practicing sneaking around and crawling through the bushes.

バラしちゃだめじゃん!!」
Don't be found!!”