禁物

• Reading: きんもつ
• Romaji: kinmotsu
• Kanji breakdown: 禁 (kin) — prohibit, forbid; 物 (motsu/mono) — thing, object
• Pronunciation: /kiɴ.mo.tsɯ/

Meaning

Something that should be carefully avoided; a no-no; a forbidden thing.

Used as a noun to describe something that must not be done or consumed. Often appears in the pattern Xは禁物だ (X is a no-no). Common in health advice, warnings, and general caution. Not as strict as outright prohibition — closer to something best avoided.

Examples

1. 風邪をひいたときに無理は禁物だ。 When you have a cold, pushing yourself is a no-no.
2. 運転中の油断は禁物だから集中してほしい。 Letting your guard down while driving is dangerous, so please stay focused.
3. 試験前の夜更かしは禁物だよ。 Staying up late before an exam is something you should definitely avoid.

Usage Guide

Context: health, safety, advice

Tone: cautionary

Origin & History

Compound of 禁 (prohibit, forbid) + 物 (thing). Literally 'prohibited thing,' originally referred to items banned by law or religious precept.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal