GRAMMAR
〜なきゃ
must (contraction of なければ)
Explanation
NOTE
〜なきゃ is a casual contraction of 〜なければ(いけない／ならない), expressing obligation — 'must' or 'have to'.
早く寝なきゃ。
I have to go to sleep early.
The いけない is dropped — it's implied.
NOTE
なければ shortens to なきゃ, and the いけない part is dropped entirely — understood from context.
STRUCTURE
Vない
なきゃもっと練習しなきゃな。
Motto renshu shinakya na.
I really have to practice more.
宿題をしなきゃ。
Shukudai o shinakya.
I have to do my homework.
電話しなきゃいけない。
Denwa shinakya ikenai.
I have to make a phone call.
Practice exercises
1
薬を飲まなきゃ。
I have to take my medicine.
Answer
飲まなきゃ
2
もう帰らなきゃ。
I have to go home now.
Answer
帰らなきゃ
3
切符を買わなきゃ。
I have to buy a ticket.
Answer
買わなきゃ
4
宿題をしなきゃ。
I have to do my homework.
Answer
なきゃ
5
電車に間に合うように走らなきゃ。
I have to run to catch the train.
Answer
なきゃ
6
今日までに報告書を提出しなきゃな。
I have to submit the report by today.
Answer
なきゃ
7
契約の内容をもっとよく確認しなきゃ。
I have to check the contract details more carefully.
Answer
なきゃ
8
締め切りに間に合わせるために残業しなきゃかもしれない。
I might have to work overtime to meet the deadline.
Answer
なきゃ