べき
べき
auxiliary
should, ought to
1.
should, ought to, must
An auxiliary expression attached to the dictionary form of verbs to indicate obligation, duty, or strong recommendation. Often used for giving advice or stating what is expected.
約束は守るべきだ。
You should keep your promises.
もっと早く言うべきだった。
I should have said it sooner.
Past tense: べきだった = should have
権力を持つ者は、その責任も負うべきである。
Those who hold power should also bear the responsibility.
べき expresses obligation or strong recommendation, equivalent to "should" or "ought to."
CONJUGATION:
- Verb dictionary form + べきだ: should do
- する → すべき / するべき (both acceptable)
- べきだった: should have done (past)
- べきではない: should not
FORMALITY:
- べきだ: standard
- べきである: more formal, written
- べきです: polite
USAGE NOTES:
- Used for moral obligations, duties, or strong advice
- Can sound preachy if overused
- More formal than 〜たほうがいい
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- 〜たほうがいい: should, had better (softer)
- 〜なければならない: must, have to (stronger obligation)
- 〜はずだ: should be, is supposed to (expectation)