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Using 〜べきだ in Japanese | My Language Classes
Learn How to Express Obligation and Strong Advice in Japanese with 〜べきだ
Ever wondered how to say “You should study” or “I ought to apologize” in Japanese? Learning how to express obligation, strong advice, and moral duty is a big step in mastering Japanese—and that’s where 〜べきだ (beki da) comes in. This powerful and commonly used grammar structure helps you sound more natural, confident, and fluent.
Whether you’re just starting out or already studying at an intermediate level, understanding べきだ will help you express what people should or ought to do in daily life, work, and social situations.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- What 〜べきだ means and how it works
- 10 real-life sentence examples with Romaji and English
- How to conjugate verbs correctly with べきだ
- When to use it—and when not to
- Tips to avoid common mistakes
- A practice quiz with answer key to test your skills
So let’s get started and make 〜べきだ a part of your everyday Japanese vocabulary.
What Is 〜べきだ in Japanese? Explanation and Overview
The Japanese grammar pattern 〜べきだ (beki da) is used to express strong advice, obligation, or what someone ought to do. It is similar to saying “should,” “ought to,” or “must” in English, but it carries a stronger and sometimes moral or logical sense of duty.
This structure is most often used when talking about what is expected, proper, or the right thing to do, either for yourself or for others.
💡 Simple Definition:
〜べきだ = Should / Ought to / Supposed to
🧠 How It Works:
You attach べきだ to the dictionary form of a verb (the plain, non-past form).
✅ Basic Structure:
- Verb (dictionary form) + べきだ
This form is neutral. If you want to make it more polite or negative, we’ll cover that in detail in the conjugation section.
🗣️ Common Situations for べきだ:
- Giving serious advice
- Expressing what’s morally right or proper
- Talking about rules or responsibilities
- Pointing out what someone should have done
- Reflecting on one’s own mistakes
🔤 Examples with Romaji and English:
1. 日本語を勉強すべきだ。
Nihongo o benkyou subeki da.
You should study Japanese.
2. 約束は守るべきだ。
Yakusoku wa mamoru beki da.
You ought to keep promises.
3. もっと早く寝るべきだった。
Motto hayaku neru beki datta.
I should have gone to bed earlier.
Notice how the meaning changes depending on the verb and context. You can use べきだ to talk about yourself or others, but be careful—it can sound judgmental if used incorrectly. (We’ll explore this more in the “Common Mistakes” section.)
Everyday Sentences Using 〜べきだ: 10 Common Examples
Learning grammar is easier when you see it in action. Here are 10 practical, everyday sentences that show how to use 〜べきだ naturally in conversations.
- 宿題は今日中に終わらせるべきだ。
Shukudai wa kyoujuu ni owaraseru beki da.
You should finish your homework by the end of today. - 自分の間違いは認めるべきだ。
Jibun no machigai wa mitomeru beki da.
You should admit your own mistakes. - 子どもは親を尊敬すべきだ。
Kodomo wa oya o sonkei subeki da.
Children should respect their parents. - ルールは守るべきだと思います。
Rūru wa mamoru beki da to omoimasu.
I think we should follow the rules. - 時には自分の健康を優先すべきだ。
Toki ni wa jibun no kenkou o yuusen subeki da.
Sometimes you should prioritize your health. - 他人に迷惑をかけるべきではない。
Tanin ni meiwaku o kakeru beki dewa nai.
You shouldn’t bother other people. - 社会人として責任を持つべきだ。
Shakaijin to shite sekinin o motsu beki da.
As a working adult, you should take responsibility. - ゴミはきちんと分別すべきだ。
Gomi wa kichinto bunbetsu subeki da.
You should separate your trash properly. - 忙しくても家族との時間は大切にすべきだ。
Isogashikute mo kazoku to no jikan wa taisetsu ni subeki da.
Even if you’re busy, you should value time with your family. - 問題があるなら、話し合うべきだ。
Mondai ga aru nara, hanashiau beki da.
If there’s a problem, you should talk it out.
These sentences are commonly used in school, at home, in workplaces, and in daily conversations. Mastering them will make your Japanese sound thoughtful, respectful, and fluent.
When to Use 〜べきだ in Japanese: All the Key Situations
Knowing the meaning of べきだ is one thing, but understanding when to use it is what truly brings fluency. The phrase 〜べきだ isn’t for every situation—it’s used to show strong advice, moral duty, or what’s generally considered the “right” thing to do.
Here are the main situations where using 〜べきだ makes sense and sounds natural in Japanese.
✅ 1. Giving Serious or Strong Advice
Use べきだ when you want to give someone advice that feels more important or urgent than just a casual suggestion.
- もっと運動すべきだよ。
Motto undou subeki da yo.
You should exercise more.
✅ 2. Talking About Rules or Social Expectations
Use べきだ to express what society expects or considers normal behavior.
- 公共の場では静かにすべきだ。
Koukyou no ba de wa shizuka ni subeki da.
You should be quiet in public places.
✅ 3. Expressing Personal or Moral Beliefs
When you believe something is the right thing to do based on values or beliefs, べきだ is appropriate.
- 嘘はつくべきではない。
Uso wa tsuku beki dewa nai.
You shouldn’t tell lies.
✅ 4. Showing Regret About the Past (べきだった)
Use the past tense べきだった to express regret or reflect on something that should have been done.
- あの時、謝るべきだった。
Ano toki, ayamaru beki datta.
I should have apologized at that time.
✅ 5. Talking About Responsibilities or Duties
When speaking about professional duties or personal responsibilities, べきだ fits well.
- 先生として、生徒を守るべきだ。
Sensei to shite, seito o mamoru beki da.
As a teacher, you should protect your students.
✅ 6. Urging Someone to Act Wisely
Use it to gently (or not so gently) push someone toward a smarter or better decision.
- 無駄遣いはやめるべきだ。
Mudazukai wa yameru beki da.
You should stop wasting money.
✅ 7. Offering Advice to Yourself (Introspective Use)
You can use べきだ when giving yourself advice or reflecting on what you should do.
- 今は落ち着くべきだ。
Ima wa ochitsuku beki da.
I should calm down now.
✅ 8. Giving Suggestions with Logical Reasoning
This is great when your suggestion is based on reason, experience, or a logical conclusion.
- その方法は変えるべきだと思います。
Sono houhou wa kaeru beki da to omoimasu.
I think that method should be changed.
Using べきだ in these situations makes your Japanese sound more nuanced and mature. But to use it correctly, you need to know how to build sentences properly. Let’s go to the next part and break down the conjugation rules for 〜べきだ. Ready?
How to Conjugate 〜べきだ: Simple Rules and Patterns
Understanding how to conjugate 〜べきだ (beki da) properly is essential for building grammatically correct sentences. The good news? It’s quite simple and straightforward—but there are some rules to remember.
The base rule is this:
✅ Verb (dictionary/plain form) + べきだ
This applies to almost all verbs, but with one important exception: する (suru), the irregular verb “to do,” has its own special form.
Let’s break it down step-by-step.
✅ 1. Using Verbs with べきだ
🔹 Rule:
Take the dictionary form (plain present form) of the verb and add べきだ.
🔸 Examples:
- 行く → 行くべきだ
Iku → Iku beki da
(You should go) - 話す → 話すべきだ
Hanasu → Hanasu beki da
(You should talk) - 勉強する → 勉強すべきだ
Benkyou suru → Benkyou subeki da
(You should study)
⚠️ Special Case: する → すべきだ
The verb する becomes すべきだ, not するべきだ, although するべきだ is sometimes used in casual speech. However, すべきだ is the grammatically correct and widely accepted form.
Example:
- 宿題をすべきだ。
Shukudai o subeki da.
You should do your homework.
✅ 2. Negative Form: ～べきではない
To say “should not” or “ought not to”, use:
Verb (dictionary form) + べきではない
This form is used to express what someone shouldn’t do, often for moral or social reasons.
Examples:
- 嘘をつくべきではない。
Uso o tsuku beki dewa nai.
You shouldn’t lie. - 怒るべきではない。
Okoru beki dewa nai.
You shouldn’t get angry.
✅ 3. Past Form: ～べきだった
To express regret or what someone should have done in the past, use:
Verb (dictionary form) + べきだった
Examples:
- もっと早く寝るべきだった。
Motto hayaku neru beki datta.
I should have gone to bed earlier. - 電車に乗るべきだった。
Densha ni noru beki datta.
I should have taken the train.
✅ 4. Negative Past: ～べきではなかった
To express regret about something you shouldn’t have done, use:
Verb (dictionary form) + べきではなかった
Examples:
- あんなことを言うべきではなかった。
Anna koto o iu beki dewa nakatta.
I shouldn’t have said something like that. - 彼を疑うべきではなかった。
Kare o utagau beki dewa nakatta.
I shouldn’t have doubted him.
🛑 Can You Use Nouns and Adjectives with べきだ?
No—you cannot use nouns or adjectives directly with べきだ. This grammar structure is strictly for verbs, because it expresses what someone should do (an action).
If you want to express something like “X should be a teacher,” use a different structure like:
- 先生になるべきだ。
Sensei ni naru beki da.
He should become a teacher.
Even though “teacher” is a noun, you’re still using a verb (なる = to become).
🧩 Conjugation Summary Chart:
| Type | Structure | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Verb (dict. form) + べきだ | 宿題をするべきだ。You should do your homework. |
| Negative | Verb (dict. form) + べきではない | 嘘をつくべきではない。You shouldn’t lie. |
| Past | Verb (dict. form) + べきだった | 行くべきだった。I should have gone. |
| Negative Past | Verb (dict. form) + べきではなかった | 話すべきではなかった。I shouldn’t have spoken. |
| Special Verb (する) | すべきだ (not するべきだ, formally) | 勉強すべきだ。You should study. |
In short, just focus on using verbs, follow the base rules, and remember the special form of する → すべきだ. This will help you use 〜べきだ confidently and correctly in all situations.
〜べきだ Grammar Rules You Need to Know
To use 〜べきだ naturally and correctly in Japanese, you need to understand a few basic but powerful grammar rules. These rules will help you know when and how to use it, and when it might sound too strong or inappropriate. Let’s explore them together with simple explanations and real-life examples.
✅ 1. Only Verbs Can Be Used Before べきだ
The structure always needs a verb in its dictionary form before べきだ. You can’t attach べきだ to nouns or adjectives.
✔️ Correct:
- 親に感謝するべきだ。
Oya ni kansha suru beki da.
You should thank your parents.
❌ Incorrect:
- 親に感謝べきだ。
(“Kansha” is a noun and can’t come directly before べきだ.)
✅ 2. Dictionary Form + べきだ Is Always Used
Always use the plain present form (dictionary form) of the verb before べきだ, not the polite or te-form.
✔️ Correct:
- 笑うべきだ。
Warau beki da.
You should laugh.
❌ Incorrect:
- 笑いますべきだ。
(Don’t use the polite form.)
✅ 3. する Changes to すべきだ (Special Case)
As mentioned before, する becomes すべきだ, not するべきだ, although both are sometimes heard. Stick with すべきだ in formal or written Japanese.
✔️ Correct:
- 勉強すべきだ。
Benkyou subeki da.
You should study.
✅ 4. Use べきではない for “Should Not”
When expressing that something should not be done, use:
Verb (dictionary form) + べきではない
Examples:
- 嘘をつくべきではない。
Uso o tsuku beki dewa nai.
You shouldn’t lie. - 人を傷つけるべきではない。
Hito o kizutsukeru beki dewa nai.
You shouldn’t hurt others.
✅ 5. Use べきだった for Regret
To talk about something you should have done but didn’t, use:
Verb (dictionary form) + べきだった
Examples:
- もっと準備するべきだった。
Motto junbi suru beki datta.
I should have prepared more.
✅ 6. Use べきではなかった for Regret Over Wrong Actions
If you did something wrong and regret it, use:
Verb (dictionary form) + べきではなかった
Examples:
- そんなことを言うべきではなかった。
Sonna koto o iu beki dewa nakatta.
I shouldn’t have said that.
✅ 7. Don’t Use べきだ to Give Commands
べきだ is strong, but it’s still not a direct command. It’s used to express expectations, advice, or responsibility, not orders. If you want to command someone, use imperative or te-form + kudasai.
✔️ Natural (べきだ):
- 子どもは親を大切にすべきだ。
Kodomo wa oya o taisetsu ni subeki da.
Children should value their parents.
❌ Too direct/command-like:
- 親を大切にしなさい！
(Feels like you’re scolding.)
✅ 8. べきだ Can Sound Strong or Critical
Be careful! べきだ expresses what should be done, which can sound judgmental if used in the wrong tone or context. In everyday conversations, if you want to sound more polite or less forceful, consider softer alternatives like:
- 〜ほうがいい (hou ga ii) → “It’s better to…”
Example: 行ったほうがいいよ。
Itta hou ga ii yo.
You’d better go.
🧠 Bonus Grammar Tip: Use with と思う (to omou) to Soften
If you want to soften the tone, add と思う (I think) at the end.
Example:
- 彼はもっと頑張るべきだと思う。
Kare wa motto ganbaru beki da to omou.
I think he should try harder.
This makes the sentence feel like your personal opinion, not a command or harsh judgment.
🧩 Recap of Grammar Rules:
| Rule | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb + べきだ | Should do something | 帰るべきだ。You should go home. |
| Verb + べきではない | Should not do something | 嘘をつくべきではない。You shouldn’t lie. |
| Verb + べきだった | Should have done | 勉強するべきだった。I should have studied. |
| Verb + べきではなかった | Should not have done | 行くべきではなかった。I shouldn’t have gone. |
| Use only verbs | No nouns/adjectives before べきだ | 先生になるべきだ。You should become a teacher. |
| Soften with と思う | Makes the sentence polite | 話すべきだと思います。I think you should talk. |
These grammar rules are your building blocks for using べきだ like a native speaker.
Important Tips for Using 〜べきだ Correctly
To truly master 〜べきだ and sound natural, here are some important tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls and use this grammar point smoothly in everyday conversations and writing.
1. Match the Politeness Level to Your Situation
While 〜べきだ is grammatically neutral, it can sound blunt or too direct if used in polite situations. To adjust politeness:
- Add です or ます forms to soften it:
- 勉強すべきです。
Benkyou subeki desu.
You should study. (polite)
- 勉強すべきです。
- Or use 〜べきだと思います to express opinion gently:
- 行くべきだと思います。
Iku beki da to omoimasu.
I think you should go.
- 行くべきだと思います。
This is especially useful in workplace or formal settings.
2. Avoid Using 〜べきだ to Force Opinions
Because 〜べきだ expresses strong advice or obligation, it can feel imposing if overused. Use it only when you are confident about the advice or when speaking about clear social expectations.
If unsure, use softer alternatives like:
- 〜たほうがいい (You’d better…)
- 〜ほうがいいと思います (I think it’s better to…)
3. Be Careful With Emotional Context
Using 〜べきだ with emotional or sensitive topics can sound harsh or judgmental. When talking about personal feelings or delicate matters, try to be more empathetic.
Example:
- Hard: 泣くべきじゃない。(You shouldn’t cry.)
- Softer: 泣かないほうがいいかもしれません。(Maybe it’s better not to cry.)
4. Use 〜べきだ for General or Universal Truths
This structure works best when talking about general advice, moral obligations, or social norms rather than specific, one-time situations.
Example:
- 社会人は時間を守るべきだ。
Shakaijin wa jikan o mamoru beki da.
Working adults should be punctual.
5. Pair With Appropriate Tone and Body Language
When speaking, your tone and facial expressions can make 〜べきだ sound either encouraging or critical. Smile or soften your voice to make your advice more welcoming.
6. Practice Using It in Various Contexts
To build confidence, try making sentences about:
- Your daily habits
- Advice to friends
- Cultural expectations
- Reflecting on past decisions
These tips will help you use 〜べきだ naturally, making your Japanese sound clear, polite, and well-mannered.
Common Mistakes with 〜べきだ and How to Fix Them
Even advanced learners sometimes stumble when using 〜べきだ. Knowing these common errors will help you avoid misunderstandings and sound more natural in Japanese. Let’s look at frequent mistakes and clear fixes.
1. Using べきだ with the Wrong Verb Form
Mistake: Attaching べきだ to the polite or te-form of verbs.
- ❌ 勉強しますべきだ。(Benkyou shimasu beki da.)
- ❌ 勉強してべきだ。(Benkyou shite beki da.)
Fix: Always use the dictionary form of the verb.
- ✔️ 勉強するべきだ。
Benkyou suru beki da.
You should study.
2. Attaching べきだ to Nouns or Adjectives
Mistake: Trying to put べきだ after a noun or adjective directly.
- ❌ きれいべきだ。(Kirei beki da.)
- ❌ 学生べきだ。(Gakusei beki da.)
Fix: Remember, only verbs can take べきだ. Use a verb phrase instead.
- ✔️ きれいにするべきだ。
Kirei ni suru beki da.
You should clean (make it clean). - ✔️ 学生は勉強するべきだ。
Gakusei wa benkyou suru beki da.
Students should study.
3. Overusing べきだ in Casual Conversations
Mistake: Using べきだ too often in informal talk, making your speech sound stiff or bossy.
- ❌ 友達にそんなことを言うべきだよ。
(Tomodachi ni sonna koto o iu beki da yo.)
Fix: Use softer expressions for casual talk, like:
- 〜たほうがいいよ (…ta hou ga ii yo)
- 〜たらどう？ (…tara dou?)
Example:
- ✔️ 友達にそんなこと言ったらどう？
Tomodachi ni sonna koto ittara dou?
How about saying that to your friend?
4. Ignoring Negative Forms When Needed
Mistake: Forgetting to use べきではない for “should not” sentences.
- ❌ そんなことするべきだ。 (Sonna koto suru beki da.) — when you mean “should NOT do that.”
Fix: Use the negative form:
- ✔️ そんなことするべきではない。
Sonna koto suru beki dewa nai.
You shouldn’t do that.
5. Forgetting Politeness in Formal Settings
Mistake: Using べきだ alone in business or polite conversations, which can sound rude.
- ❌ お客様はこれを買うべきだ。
(Okyakusama wa kore o kau beki da.)
Fix: Add politeness with です/ます or soften with と思います.
- ✔️ お客様はこれを買うべきだと思います。
Okyakusama wa kore o kau beki da to omoimasu.
I think customers should buy this.
6. Confusing べきだ with Commands
Mistake: Using べきだ as if it’s a direct order.
- ❌ 早く来るべきだ！ (Hayaku kuru beki da!) — sounds like a command.
Fix: Use polite requests or imperatives instead.
- ✔️ 早く来てください。
Hayaku kite kudasai.
Please come quickly.
7. Misusing する Verbs
Mistake: Saying するべきだ instead of すべきだ for verbs with する.
- ❌ 勉強するべきだ。
Fix: Use the shortened form すべきだ for formal or written Japanese.
- ✔️ 勉強すべきだ。
Benkyou subeki da.
Summary Table of Common Mistakes and Fixes:
| Mistake | Correction | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb form not dictionary | Use dictionary form | 勉強するべきだ |
| Using with nouns/adjectives | Attach only to verbs | 掃除するべきだ |
| Overuse in casual talk | Use softer alternatives | 〜たほうがいい |
| Forgetting negative form | Use べきではない for “should not” | 行くべきではない |
| Ignoring politeness | Add です or と思います | 買うべきだと思います |
| Using as direct command | Use polite requests instead | 来てください |
| Wrong する form | Use すべきだ | 勉強すべきだ |
Mastering these fixes will boost your confidence and accuracy with 〜べきだ!
20 〜べきだ Example Sentences for Better Understanding
- 健康のために毎日運動するべきだ。
Kenko no tame ni mainichi undou suru beki da.
You should exercise every day for your health. - 宿題は早く終わらせるべきだ。
Shukudai wa hayaku owaraseru beki da.
You should finish your homework quickly. - 約束は守るべきだ。
Yakusoku wa mamoru beki da.
You should keep your promises. - 他人の意見を尊重するべきだ。
Tanin no iken o sonchou suru beki da.
You should respect other people’s opinions. - ごみはきちんと分別するべきだ。
Gomi wa kichinto bunbetsu suru beki da.
You should properly separate your garbage. - 毎日日本語を勉強するべきだ。
Mainichi Nihongo o benkyou suru beki da.
You should study Japanese every day. - 車を運転するときはシートベルトを締めるべきだ。
Kuruma o unten suru toki wa shiitoberuto o shimeru beki da.
You should wear a seatbelt when driving a car. - 遅刻しないように時間を守るべきだ。
Chikoku shinai you ni jikan o mamoru beki da.
You should be on time so you don’t arrive late. - 大切な書類はコピーを取るべきだ。
Taisetsu na shorui wa kopii o toru beki da.
You should make copies of important documents. - 友達に優しくするべきだ。
Tomodachi ni yasashiku suru beki da.
You should be kind to your friends. - 勉強するだけでなく、休憩も取るべきだ。
Benkyou suru dake de naku, kyuukei mo toru beki da.
You should take breaks as well as study. - 疲れたら無理をしないべきだ。
Tsukaretara muri o shinai beki da.
You should not push yourself if you’re tired. - 新しいことに挑戦するべきだ。
Atarashii koto ni chousen suru beki da.
You should challenge yourself with new things. - 人の話をよく聞くべきだ。
Hito no hanashi o yoku kiku beki da.
You should listen carefully to others. - 夜遅くまで起きているべきではない。
Yoru osoku made okite iru beki dewa nai.
You should not stay up late at night. - 本をたくさん読むべきだ。
Hon o takusan yomu beki da.
You should read a lot of books. - 仕事は丁寧にやるべきだ。
Shigoto wa teinei ni yaru beki da.
You should do your work carefully. - 体調が悪い時は病院に行くべきだ。
Taichou ga warui toki wa byouin ni iku beki da.
You should go to the hospital when you feel unwell. - お金は無駄遣いしないべきだ。
Okane wa mudazukai shinai beki da.
You should not waste money. - 自分のミスを認めるべきだ。
Jibun no misu o mitomeru beki da.
You should admit your mistakes.
〜べきだ Fill-in-the-Blank Exercise: Test Your Knowledge
Fill in the blank with the correct dictionary form of the verb plus 〜べきだ or 〜べきではない to complete each sentence.
- 毎日早く（ ）べきだ。
Mainichi hayaku ( ) beki da.
You should wake up early every day. - 勉強（ ）べきだ。
Benkyou ( ) beki da.
You should study. - 約束（ ）べきだ。
Yakusoku ( ) beki da.
You should keep your promises. - ごみをちゃんと（ ）べきだ。
Gomi o chanto ( ) beki da.
You should properly separate garbage. - 時間（ ）べきだ。
Jikan ( ) beki da.
You should be punctual. - 電話に（ ）べきではない。
Denwa ni ( ) beki dewa nai.
You should not ignore the phone. - 車を運転するときは安全運転（ ）べきだ。
Kuruma o unten suru toki wa anzen unten ( ) beki da.
You should drive safely when driving a car. - 仕事を（ ）べきだ。
Shigoto o ( ) beki da.
You should do your work. - 人に親切に（ ）べきだ。
Hito ni shinsetsu ni ( ) beki da.
You should be kind to people. - 新しいことに（ ）べきだ。
Atarashii koto ni ( ) beki da.
You should try new things. - 疲れたら無理を（ ）べきではない。
Tsukaretara muri o ( ) beki dewa nai.
You should not push yourself when tired. - 本を（ ）べきだ。
Hon o ( ) beki da.
You should read books. - ミスを（ ）べきだ。
Misu o ( ) beki da.
You should admit mistakes. - 夜遅くまで起きている（ ）べきではない。
Yoru osoku made okite iru ( ) beki dewa nai.
You should not stay up late at night. - 友達に（ ）べきだ。
Tomodachi ni ( ) beki da.
You should help your friends. - もっと運動（ ）べきだ。
Motto undou ( ) beki da.
You should exercise more. - 勉強するときは集中（ ）べきだ。
Benkyou suru toki wa shuuchuu ( ) beki da.
You should concentrate when studying. - ごみを道に捨てる（ ）べきではない。
Gomi o michi ni suteru ( ) beki dewa nai.
You should not throw garbage on the street. - 朝ご飯を（ ）べきだ。
Asagohan o ( ) beki da.
You should eat breakfast. - みんなの話を（ ）べきだ。
Minna no hanashi o ( ) beki da.
You should listen to everyone.
Check Your Answers for the 〜べきだ Exercise
- 毎日早く起きるべきだ。
Mainichi hayaku okiru beki da.
You should wake up early every day. - 勉強するべきだ。
Benkyou suru beki da.
You should study. - 約束を守るべきだ。
Yakusoku o mamoru beki da.
You should keep your promises. - ごみをちゃんと分別するべきだ。
Gomi o chanto bunbetsu suru beki da.
You should properly separate garbage. - 時間を守るべきだ。
Jikan o mamoru beki da.
You should be punctual. - 電話に出ないべきではない。
Denwa ni denai beki dewa nai.
You should not ignore the phone. - 車を運転するときは安全運転するべきだ。
Kuruma o unten suru toki wa anzen unten suru beki da.
You should drive safely when driving a car. - 仕事をするべきだ。
Shigoto o suru beki da.
You should do your work. - 人に親切にするべきだ。
Hito ni shinsetsu ni suru beki da.
You should be kind to people. - 新しいことに挑戦するべきだ。
Atarashii koto ni chousen suru beki da.
You should try new things. - 疲れたら無理をしないべきではない。
Tsukaretara muri o shinai beki dewa nai.
You should not push yourself when tired. - 本を読むべきだ。
Hon o yomu beki da.
You should read books. - ミスを認めるべきだ。
Misu o mitomeru beki da.
You should admit mistakes. - 夜遅くまで起きているべきではない。
Yoru osoku made okite iru beki dewa nai.
You should not stay up late at night. - 友達に助けるべきだ。
Tomodachi ni tasukeru beki da.
You should help your friends. - もっと運動するべきだ。
Motto undou suru beki da.
You should exercise more. - 勉強するときは集中するべきだ。
Benkyou suru toki wa shuuchuu suru beki da.
You should concentrate when studying. - ごみを道に捨てるべきではない。
Gomi o michi ni suteru beki dewa nai.
You should not throw garbage on the street. - 朝ご飯を食べるべきだ。
Asagohan o taberu beki da.
You should eat breakfast. - みんなの話を聞くべきだ。
Minna no hanashi o kiku beki da.
You should listen to everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 〜べきだ
Q1: What does 〜べきだ mean in Japanese?
A: 〜べきだ means “should” or “ought to.” It is used to give advice, make recommendations, or express what is the right or proper thing to do.
Q2: Can 〜べきだ be used with all verb types?
A: Yes, you can use 〜べきだ with verbs in their dictionary (plain) form. It does not directly attach to nouns or adjectives but can be used with the verb “to be” (する) to express obligation.
Q3: What is the negative form of 〜べきだ?
A: The negative form is 〜べきではない, which means “should not” or “ought not to.”
Q4: Is 〜べきだ formal or informal?
A: 〜べきだ is generally used in formal or written Japanese. For casual speech, people often use 〜たほうがいい (you’d better) instead.
Q5: Can 〜べきだ express past advice or regret?
A: No, 〜べきだ mainly expresses present or future advice. To talk about past regrets, Japanese uses 〜べきだった.
Q6: Can 〜べきだ be used with adjectives or nouns?
A: No, 〜べきだ attaches only to verbs. To express obligation with adjectives or nouns, other grammar points like 〜なければならない are used.
Q7: Is 〜べきだ polite?
A: It is polite but firm. If you want to be more polite or softer, you can add 〜です after 〜べきだ or use 〜たほうがいい.
Q8: Can 〜べきだ be used for commands?
A: Not really. It suggests what should be done but doesn’t sound like a direct command.
Q9: How is 〜べきだ different from 〜たほうがいい?
A: 〜べきだ is stronger and more formal, implying a moral or social obligation. 〜たほうがいい is softer advice or suggestion.
Q10: Can 〜べきだ be used with questions?
A: Yes, you can ask questions like “これをするべきですか？” (Should I do this?) to ask for advice.
Key Takeaways: 〜べきだ Summary and Important Points
- 〜べきだ means “should” or “ought to” and is used to give advice or express obligation.
- It attaches to the dictionary form of verbs only.
- The negative form is 〜べきではない, meaning “should not.”
- It is more formal and stronger than casual advice like 〜たほうがいい.
- Not used with adjectives or nouns directly; only verbs.
- To soften the tone, add 〜です or use other expressions like 〜たほうがいい.
- Use 〜べきだった to talk about past regrets or missed obligations.
- It expresses recommendations or moral/social obligations, not direct commands.
- Can be used in questions to ask for advice or opinions.
- Common in written and formal spoken Japanese, less in casual conversation.
Conclusion: Mastering 〜べきだ to Speak Japanese with Confidence
Understanding and using 〜べきだ correctly is a key step toward expressing advice, obligations, and strong recommendations naturally in Japanese. Whether you’re telling someone what should be done or sharing important guidelines, this grammar pattern helps you sound confident and clear.
Remember, 〜べきだ attaches to verbs in their dictionary form, has a negative form 〜べきではない, and is more formal than casual alternatives. Practice with real-life examples and exercises to build your fluency!
Keep exploring Japanese grammar to level up your skills and communicate with ease.
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