[Grammar pattern] V(ない) + ないと。: Meaning and Example Sentences

A grammar pattern used to express a requirement or obligation to do a certain action.
It is a short form of the pattern "V(ない) + ないといけない" and is often used in casual conversations with family members or close friends.

あと1分(ぷん)で電(でん)車(しゃ)が来(く)る。急(いそ)がないと。

The train comes in one more minute. We have to hurry.
もう寝(ね)るの？早(はや)いね。ーうん、明(あ)日(した)は用(よう)事(じ)があるから早(はや)く起(お)きないと。

Are you going to sleep already? That’s early. - Yeah, I have things to do tomorrow, so I need to wake up early.
来(らい)週(しゅう)、試(し)験(けん)でしょう？ちゃんと勉(べん)強(きょう)しないと。ーうん、今(いま)からするよ。

Next week is the exam, right? You better study properly. – Yeah, I’ll start now.
ああ、お腹(なか)がいっぱい。でも、お皿(さら)にとった料(りょう)理(り)は全(ぜん)部(ぶ)食(た)べないと。

Ah, I’m full. But I have to finish all the food on my plate.
あっ、大(たい)変(へん)！忘(わす)れてた。帰(かえ)る前(まえ)に母(はは)に連(れん)絡(らく)しないと。

Ah, what a disaster! I forgot. I have to contact my mom before I go home.