Japanese grammar
What does ～べきだ mean? Japanese grammar N3
～べきだ means should; ought to (moral obligation / standard).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N3 |
|---|---|
| Structure | Vる + べきだ する → すべき／するべき |
| Romaji | bekida |
| Meaning | should; ought to (moral obligation / standard) |
Forming it
| Verb | 守る + べきだ |
|---|---|
| Exception (する) | する → すべき／するべき |
How to use it
States what is right and ought to be done according to reason, morality, or duty; an opinion with an advisory/normative tone.
- 「～べきだ」 states what is RIGHT and ought to be done according to reason, morality, or duty. Stronger than 「～ほうがいい」 (a gentle suggestion).
- The negative 「～べきではない」 = should not (do something that goes against what is right).
- Not used for something natural/inevitable like a law of nature (that's 「はずだ」); 「べきだ」 is a value judgment.
Examples
約束は守るべきだ。
One should keep one’s promises.
間違えたら、すぐに謝るべきだ。
If you make a mistake, you should apologize right away.
Keep in mind
- The verb 「する」 has two forms: 「すべき」 (written) and 「するべき」.
- Usually used to give general advice or tell someone what is right to do.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong明日は晴れるべきだ。
It should be sunny tomorrow.
Correct明日は晴れるはずだ。
A natural event/assumption uses 「はずだ」; 「べきだ」 is only used for what ought to be done according to reason.
-
Wrongたばこを吸うべきだ。
One should not smoke.
Correctたばこを吸うべきではない。
"Should not (smoke)" uses 「～べきではない」.
Exam tips
- 「べきだ」 = should, according to what's right (a value judgment); a natural event/assumption uses 「はずだ」.