食べないと

have to eat, if you don't eat

→ 食べる

phrase Uncommon #10,526

have to eat Often used as a shortened way to say 食べないといけない or 食べないとだめ. Literally, it means “if I don’t eat…,” with the consequence left unstated.

JA: 早く食べないと。

EN: I have to eat soon.

You have to eat.

— 鶴は翔んでゆく (1957)

I need to eat quickly.

You need to eat properly if you want to grow up big and strong.

Riyadh, you need to eat at least a little.

— 預言者 (2009)

Even if you don't like this, you have to eat it.

I need to eat breakfast.

I have to eat.

Won’t your wife be disappointed if you don’t eat it?

— 花様年華 (2000)

phrase Rare #42,430

if you don't eat Often implies that you need to eat to avoid the stated consequence.

JA: 食べないと元気が出ないよ。

EN: If you don't eat, you won't have any energy.

If you don't eat, you can't go to Chile.

— 雪山の絆 (2023)

If you don't finish everything, no dessert.

Hurry up and eat, or you'll be late for school.

You’d better eat a little, or it’ll get hot.

— イップ・マン序章 (2008)