This is a very strong way to say "do not." You will see it in old writings or formal rules.
Verb [stem] + なかれPrimary
This is a very strong way to say "do not." You will see it in old writings or formal rules.
恐れるなかれ、我は汝と共にあり。
Fear not, for I am with you.
若者よ、大志を抱け。そして、安易な成功に満足するなかれ。
Youth, be ambitious. And do not be satisfied with easy success.
友よ、泣くなかれ。必ずや再会の日が来るであろう。
My friend, do not cry. The day of our reunion will surely come.
過去の失敗に囚われるなかれ。重要なのは今、何をするかだ。
Do not be captivated by past failures. What's important is what you do now.
たとえ道は険しくとも、己の信じる道を諦めるなかれ。
Even if the path is steep, do not give up on the path you believe in.
This phrase sounds very serious. It is like a wise old leader telling you something important. It makes the 'do not' feel very strong, like a big rule or a deep warning.
This is different from "~bekarazu". That is for public rules. It is also different from "~na". That is a casual command. This is also not "~bekarazaru". That form changes nouns.
Don't use this when you are talking to friends. It is not for daily chat. This form is only for writing. You will see it in books, songs, or old plays. It connects to the verb stem.
Less formal alternatives(1)
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