trebalo bi

Should

Level 4

Should + da + present.

How It Works

There are two small phrases for what you should do.

Phrase	Meaning	Example
trebalo bi da	should (advice)	Trebalo bi da ideš.
treba da	need to, must	Treba da učimo.

Both phrases stay the same for every person. The second verb changes: Trebalo bi da idem / ideš / ide / idemo.

Instead of da + present you can use the infinitive when there is no clear subject: Trebalo bi ići. (One should go.)

The same word trebati has a personal use that you already know, Treba mi kafa (I need coffee). With a person as the subject and a verb after it, you can also use Trebaš doći (you need to come). Both ways are normal. The impersonal forms above are simpler to learn first.

For polite advice, trebalo bi is gentler than treba.

Examples (5)

Trebalo bi da ideš kod ljekara.
You should see a doctor.
Trebalo bi is gentle advice.
Treba da učimo više.
We need to study more.
Treba da is a stronger need.
Trebalo bi ranije ustati.
One should get up earlier.
The infinitive can follow trebalo bi.
Trebalo bi da Amir pozove Emu.
Amir should call Ema.
Trebalo bi does not change for the subject.
Treba da kupim hljeb.
I have to buy bread.
The second verb shows the person.

Common Mistakes

Changing the form for the person.
Trebali bi da idem.
Trebalo bi da idem.
Trebalo bi stays the same, and only the second verb changes.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

trebalo biLevel 4Should

Learn This First

Trebalo bi gives advice.

The Conditional With Bih
Trebalo bi uses the conditional helper bi, so know the conditional first.
Level 4

Words in This Pattern

trebatida

Practice trebalo bi in Bubblegum

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