なかれ

Etymology
From. First cited in the , completed in 759.

The imperative form of the classical adjective. Originally from fusion of adverbial + imperative copula, resulting in a literal meaning of imperative "be not".

Particle

 * 1)   must not; do not
 * 2) *  of the  of Confucius, XV.24
 * 1) *  of the  of Confucius, XV.24

Usage notes

 * Initial uses always included the noun between the verb and the nakare.  Over time, this koto was elided, and nakare would append directly to the verb.
 * Compare with prohibition particle . The use of nakare appears to be more common when prohibiting a class of actions, such as in broad commands, whereas the use of na appears to be more common when prohibiting a specific action.