Ceithlionn
The hardest part about Japanese, for me anyway, is moving between casual and formal. I became so accustomed to speaking casual Japanese that when I actually took a formal class I was scolded often. Likewise, new Japanese learners have difficulty determining between slang and formal speech. Example:
"You're expected to drink beer when you're twenty."
Formal:
二十歳の時ビールを飲まなければいけません。
Nijuusai no toki biiru wo nomanakerebaikemasen.
Casual:
二十歳のときビールを飲まなくちゃなんないだ。
Hatachi no toki biiru wo nomanakuchanannaita.
On paper they look similar, but when the latter is spoken at twice or even three times the speed of the former it gets difficult to understand. At least, that's the complaint I've been hearing. Of course, after a semester of having formal speech beaten into my head, it's gotten easier. And it will get easier from the other side.
The way you end the sentence means everything. If you are trying to pick up on casual and formal speech listen for how the sentences are ended. If you hear "masu" "desu" they are probably talking in formal. If you hear the plain forms of verbs or "da" "wa" "no" ....er...well there are lots, but the person is probably talking in casual form if you don't hear the masu.
Also I don't know if this is me, but you seem to be mixing up "have to" grammar.
Nomanakuchaikenai.
Nomanakuchaikemasen.
It would not be good if I didn't drink. (I have to drink)
Nomanakerebanaranai.
Nomanakerebanarimasen.
If I don't drink it will not turn out good. (I have to drink)
There a few more variations, but those are the two most basic ones that I know of. Please tell me if you learned differently though.
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