〜べき
JLPT N3:should
Says what someone should do because it is right, sensible or expected: "should", "ought to".
How to form it
- Put the verb in the dictionary form and add べきだ: 守るべきだ.
- する becomes するべき or すべき; both are correct.
- The negative is べきではない: 言うべきではない (you shouldn't say it).
- Before a noun, use べき: 読むべき本 (a book you ought to read).
- べきだった means "should have": もっと早く言うべきだった.
Examples
約束は守るべきだ。
You should keep your promises.
今すぐ謝るべきだ。
You should apologise right now.
Notes
- It is strong, so saying it straight to someone can sound preachy. For friendly advice, 〜た方がいい is softer.
Common mistakes
- Putting the verb in the negative. Say 言うべきではない, not 言わないべきだ.
Similar meaning
- 〜ことだthe thing to do is
ことだ: "the thing to do is…", advice to a particular person.
- 〜はずだshould be (expected)
はずだ: "should be", an expectation rather than a duty.
- 〜なければならないmust / have to
"Must": an obligation.