JLPT N5 Grammar
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Had better / should
Category: Comparisons & Degree
The grammar pattern "〜ほうがいい" is used to give advice or make suggestions. It is a polite way to express that something is better or more suitable. The pattern can be used in both positive and negative advice. For positive advice, the ta-form of the verb is used, while for negative advice, the ない-form of the verb is used. This pattern is stronger than "〜たらどうですか" and is often used in everyday conversations.
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Ta-form | Verb + た + ほうがいい | 食べたほうがいい |
| Negative ない-form | Verb ない + ほうがいい | 食べないほうがいい |
| Negative ない-form (alternative) | Verb なくてもいい | 食べなくてもいい |
風邪をひいたから、薬を飲んだほうがいいですよ。
Fūja o hiita kara, kusuri o nomunda hō ga ii desu yo.
Since you caught a cold, you should take medicine.
風邪をひいた (caught a cold), 飲んだ (took), ほうがいい (should)
夜遅く起きたら、早く寝たほうがいいですよ。
Yoru osoku kita ra, hayaku ne ta hō ga ii desu yo.
If you wake up late at night, you should go to bed early.
夜遅く起きた (woke up late), 起きた (woke up), ほうがいい (should)
明日は早いから、もう寝たほうがいいですよ。
Ashita wa hayai kara, mō ne ta hō ga ii desu yo.
Since tomorrow is early, you should go to bed now.
明日は早い (tomorrow is early), もう (now), ほうがいい (should)
This pattern is used in everyday conversations to give advice or make suggestions. It is a polite way to express that something is better or more suitable. The pattern can be used in both positive and negative advice. It is stronger than "〜たらどうですか" and is often used in situations where you want to give advice or make suggestions.
Using the dictionary form instead of the ta-form can make the sentence sound less polite and less like advice.
Using ないほうがいい implies that something should not be done, while なくてもいい implies that something is not necessary.
In the JLPT exam, this pattern is often tested in the reading comprehension section. Pay attention to the context and the verb forms used in the sentences. Make sure to use the correct verb form and the correct nuance of the pattern.
風邪をひいたから、薬を______ほうがいいですよ。
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.