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Should; must (strong duty or obligation)
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-dictionary + べきだ' is used to express a strong moral duty or a very obvious course of action. It is more objective and stronger than 'koto da' or 'mono da'. This pattern is often used to emphasize the importance of a particular action or behavior. For example, if someone asks you what you should do in a certain situation, you can respond with this pattern to indicate the most obvious or necessary course of action.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-subjunctive (する, するべき) | V-subjunctive + べきだ | 食べるべきだ |
| V-subjunctive (する, するべき) | V-subjunctive + すべきだ | するべきだ |
| V-subjunctive (する, するべき) | V-subjunctive + すべきだ (with emphasis on the subject) | 私がするべきだ |
Examples
約束は守るべきだ。
Yakusoku wa mamoru beki da.
One should keep their promise.
約束 (yakusoku) = promise, 守る (mamoru) = to keep, べきだ (beki da) = should
あんなひどいことは言うべきではなかったと後悔している。
Anna hidoi koto wa iu beki dewa nakatta to ato kai shite iru.
I regret saying something so harsh, which I shouldn't have said.
あんな (anna) = such, ひどい (hidoi) = harsh, ことは (koto wa) = something, 言う (iu) = to say, べきではなかった (beki dewa nakatta) = shouldn't have, と (to) = and, 後悔している (kai shite iru) = regret
環境を守るために、私たちは何をおこなうべきでしょうか。
Kankyō o mamoru tame ni, watashitachi wa nan o okonau beki desu ka.
What should we do to protect the environment?
環境 (kankyō) = environment, 守る (mamoru) = to protect, ために (tame ni) = for, 私たちは (watashitachi wa) = we, 何 (nan) = what, を (o) = to, おこなう (okonau) = to do, べき (beki) = should, でしょうか (desu ka) = should
この問題を解決するには、多くの時間を費やすべきだ。
Kono mondai o kaiketsu suru ni wa, takai jikan o tsukau beki da.
To solve this problem, one should spend a lot of time.
この (kono) = this, 問題 (mondai) = problem, を (o) = to, 解決する (kaiketsu suru) = to solve, には (ni wa) = in order to, 多くの (takai) = a lot of, 時間 (jikan) = time, を (o) = to, 費やす (tsukau) = to spend, べきだ (beki da) = should
この問題を解決するには、多くの時間を費やすべきだ。
Kono mondai o kaiketsu suru ni wa, takai jikan o tsukau beki da.
To solve this problem, one should spend a lot of time.
この (kono) = this, 問題 (mondai) = problem, を (o) = to, 解決する (kaiketsu suru) = to solve, には (ni wa) = in order to, 多くの (takai) = a lot of, 時間 (jikan) = time, を (o) = to, 費やす (tsukau) = to spend, べきだ (beki da) = should
Context
This pattern is used to express a strong moral duty or a very obvious course of action. It is more objective and stronger than 'koto da' or 'mono da'. This pattern is often used in formal or official contexts, such as in laws, regulations, or instructions.
Watch out
While 'beki da' is used to express a strong moral duty or a very obvious course of action, 'koto da' is used to express personal advice or opinion. For example, '食べるべきだ' (you should eat) vs. '食べることがいいだ' (it's good to eat).
When using 'suru' with 'beki da', you need to use the special 'subeki' form. For example, 'するべきだ' (you should do) vs. '食べるべきだ' (you should eat).
While 'beki da' is used to express a strong moral duty or a very obvious course of action, 'beki datta' is used to express regret or a past obligation. For example, '食べるべきだった' (I should have eaten) vs. '食べるべきだ' (you should eat).
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct form of the verb and the correct particle. Also, be careful not to confuse it with other patterns, such as 'koto da' or 'mono da'.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-dictionary + べきだ (suru -> すべき / するべき) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
約束は守るべきだ。
Pattern used: べきだ
States a strong, objective moral obligation to keep promises.
あんなひどいことは言うべきではなかったと後悔している。
Pattern used: べき
Uses 'beki de wa nakatta' to express regret over a past moral failing.
環境を守るために、私たちは何をおこなうべきでしょうか。
Pattern used: べき
Used in a question to ask about a necessary or dutiful course of action.
Interactive
約束は守る______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.