What it means
なければならない expresses a strong obligation: the subject must do something or has to do it. It is formed by attaching なければならない to the negative stem of a verb. Although the first part comes from a negative form, the whole expression means that not doing the action is unacceptable or impossible under the circumstances. It is commonly used for rules, duties, requirements, and personal necessities.
Usage note
なければならない is the familiar-style ending, while なければなりません is its polite counterpart. The shorter forms なきゃ and なきゃならない are common in casual speech, but they are less suitable for formal writing or careful speech.
How to use it
明日は病院へ行かなければなりません。
I must go to the hospital tomorrow.
明日は病院へ行かなければならない。
I must go to the hospital tomorrow.
