べきだ

Should

Level 2Sounds Like bekida

Use べきだ to say someone 'should' do something because it is the right, proper, or natural thing to do based on social norms or ethics.

How It Works

べきだ is an intermediate-level pattern used to express that an action is objectively 'correct' or 'proper.'

1. Usage and Nuance:
It carries a sense of duty or common sense. While 方がいい is used for practical advice (e.g., 'You should take an umbrella so you don't get wet'), べきだ is used for moral or social 'oughts' (e.g., 'You should keep your promises').

2. Formation:

  • Verbs: Dictionary form + べきだ (e.g., 食べるべきだ).
  • Suru Exception: For suru verbs, you can use either するべき (common in speech) or すべき (more formal/literary).
  • Negation: べきではない (should not).
  • Past Tense: べきだった (should have done) — often used to express personal regret.

3. Social Caution:
Because it sounds prescriptive and 'preachy,' avoid using it directly toward superiors or for light suggestions. It is better suited for general rules, self-reflection, or formal debates.

Examples (4)

  1. 約束は守るべきだ。

    One should keep one's promises.

    Word by Word: Promise (topic) keep should.

    This expresses a general social and moral norm that applies to everyone.

  2. もっと早く寝るべきだった。

    I should have gone to bed earlier.

    Word by Word: More early sleep should have.

    The past tense べきだった is frequently used to express regret about one's own past actions.

  3. 学生はもっと勉強すべきだ。

    Students ought to study more.

    Word by Word: Students (topic) more study should.

    This uses the formal すべき form to describe the expected role or duty of a student.

  4. そんなひどいことを言うべきではない。

    You should not say such terrible things.

    Word by Word: That kind of terrible thing (object) say should not.

    The negative form べきではない expresses a strong moral prohibition.

Common Mistakes

  • Using べきだ for legal requirements or strict rules.

    赤信号は止まるべきだ。
    赤信号は止まらなければならない。

    Stopping at a red light is a law, not just a moral suggestion. Use なければならない for legal or mandatory requirements.

  • Using the past tense of the verb before べきだ.

    行ったべきだ。
    行くべきだった。

    The verb must always be in the dictionary form. To express 'should have,' change the ending to だった, not the verb itself.

How It Connects

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

べきだLevel 2Should

Learn This First

To understand 'beki da', you need to know how to use the dictionary form of verbs and how the copula 'da' works to form a complete sentence. It is also helpful to understand how verbs can modify other elements in a sentence.

Words in This Pattern

可き