JLPT N3 reference · Modality and stance
べき obligation
It states what is normatively right, advisable, or expected, often with a stronger judgment than ほうがいい.
Core meaning and form
Attach べきだ to the dictionary form; するべき and すべき both occur. Avoid using it casually to impose personal standards where a softer recommendation is appropriate.
- Form: Attach べきだ to the dictionary form; するべき and すべき both occur.
- Core use: It states what is normatively right, advisable, or expected, often with a stronger judgment than ほうがいい.
- Context: Avoid using it casually to impose personal standards where a softer recommendation is appropriate.
Examples in context
約束は守るべきです。Yakusoku wa mamoru beki desu.You should keep promises.
もっと早く相談すべきだった。Motto hayaku sōdan subeki datta.I should have consulted someone earlier.
人を見た目で判断するべきではない。Hito o mitame de handan suru beki dewa nai.One should not judge people by appearance.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Attach べきだ to the dictionary form; するべき and すべき both occur.
- It states what is normatively right, advisable, or expected, often with a stronger judgment than ほうがいい.
- Avoid using it casually to impose personal standards where a softer recommendation is appropriate.