JLPT N3 Grammar
· Intermediate
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· Intermediate
should not
Category: Expectation and Judgment
The grammar pattern 'V(dictionary) + べきではない' is used to express that an action is inappropriate or morally wrong. It is a strong prohibition based on common sense or ethics. This pattern is often used to convey a sense of social norms or expectations, rather than personal preferences. It is a more formal way of saying 'should not' or 'must not', and is typically used in situations where the action is considered unacceptable or unbecoming.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form of the verb | V(dictionary) + べきではない | 食べる + べきではない (should not eat) |
| Base form of the verb | V(base) + べきではない | 行く + べきではない (should not go) |
| Potential form of the verb | V(potential) + べきではない | 行かれる + べきではない (should not be taken) |
電車の中で大きな声で話すべきではない。
densha no naka de ōkina koe de hanasu beki dewa nai.
You should not speak loudly in the train.
電車の中で (in the train), 大きな声で (loudly), 話す (speak), べきではない (should not)
嘘を言うべきではないと、子供のころから教わった。
uso o iu beki dewa nai to, kodomo no koro kara oshiete imashita.
I was taught from a young age that it's not good to lie.
嘘を (lie), 言う (say), べきではない (should not), 子供のころから (from a young age)
大切な秘密を他人に話すべきではない。
taihen na himitsu o takai hito ni hanasu beki dewa nai.
You should not tell important secrets to others.
大切な (important), 秘密 (secret), 他人 (others), 話す (tell)
車を運転するべきではない。
kuruma o untensuru beki dewa nai.
You should not drive a car.
車を (car), 運転する (drive), べきではない (should not)
この秘密を知るべきではない。
kono himitsu o shiru beki dewa nai.
You should not know this secret.
この (this), 秘密 (secret), 知る (know), べきではない (should not)
This pattern is used to express a strong prohibition based on common sense or ethics. It is typically used in formal situations or when expressing a sense of social norms or expectations. It is not suitable for expressing personal preferences or opinions.
This pattern is used to express social norms or expectations, not personal preferences.
The dictionary form of the verb is used to express the negative form in this pattern.
This pattern is used to express strong prohibitions based on common sense or ethics, not simple 'better not to' situations.
Pay attention to the context and the tone of the sentence. This pattern is used to express strong prohibitions, so the tone should be formal and serious. Make sure to use the dictionary form of the verb and the correct particle to express the negative form.
電車の中で大きな声で______べきではない。
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