JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
should/ought to
Category: Expectation and Judgment
The grammar pattern "V(dictionary) + べきだ / する -> すべき" is used to express a strong moral or social obligation. It implies that the action is the obviously right thing to do and carries more weight than "hou ga ii". This pattern is often used in situations where there is a clear expectation or standard to be followed. It can be used to express regret or disappointment when that standard is not met.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictation form of the verb | V(dictionary) + べきだ / する | 借りたお金はすぐに返すべきだ。 |
| Potential form of the verb | V(dictionary) + すべき | もっと早く来るべきだったのに、忘れてしまった。 |
| Volitional form of the verb | V(dictionary) + すべき | 学生はもっと勉強するべきだ。 |
借りたお金はすぐに返すべきだ。
Kaketa kin wa sugu ni kaesu beki da.
You should pay back the money you borrowed immediately.
借りた (kaketa) - borrowed, お金 (kin) - money, は (wa) - topic marker,すぐに (sugu ni) - immediately, 返す (kaesu) - to pay back, べきだ (beki da) - should
もっと早く来るべきだったのに、忘れてしまった。
Motto hayaku kuru beki datta no de, wasurete shimatta.
I should have come earlier, but I forgot.
もっと (motto) - more, 早く (hayaku) - early, 来る (kuru) - to come, べきだった (beki datta) - should have, の (no) - topic marker, で (de) - conjunction, 忘れて (wasurete) - forgot, しまった (shimatta) - past tense marker
学生はもっと勉強するべきだ。
Gakusei wa motto benkyou suru beki da.
Students should study more.
学生 (gakusei) - student, は (wa) - topic marker, もっと (motto) - more, 勉強する (benkyou suru) - to study, べきだ (beki da) - should
This pattern is used to express a strong moral or social obligation. It is more formal than "hou ga ii" and implies that the action is the obviously right thing to do. It is often used in situations where there is a clear expectation or standard to be followed. Be careful not to use this pattern with superiors, as it can sound rude or bossy.
While both 'suru beki' and 'subeki' can be used to express obligation, 'subeki' is more formal and should be used in situations where you want to convey a stronger sense of obligation.
Using this pattern with superiors can sound rude or bossy, so it's best to avoid it in those situations.
While both 'hazu da' and 'subeki' can be used to express a sense of obligation or expectation, 'hazu da' is used for prediction or expectation, whereas 'subeki' is used for a stronger sense of obligation.
In the JLPT exam, be careful to use the correct form of the verb and the correct particle to express obligation. Also, be aware of the nuances of the pattern and use it correctly in context.
借りたお金はすぐに______べきだ。
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