べきだ / べき / べきではない
The expression べき is used to convey a sense of duty, obligation, or strong recommendation. It translates roughly to "should" or "ought to" in English and can express that something is morally right, expected, or strongly advised. The negative form, べきではない, is used to express something that should not be done.
べきだ – "Should" / "Ought to"
Frequent Usages
- 宿題をするべきだ – "You should do your homework."
- 親に感謝すべきだ – "You should appreciate your parents."
- 時間を守るべきだ – "You should be on time."
- 約束を守るべきだ – "You should keep your promises."
- 環境を大切にするべきだ – "We should take care of the environment."
Meaning and Usage
べきだ is used to indicate a strong recommendation or moral obligation. It suggests that the action is appropriate, expected, or the right thing to do. This expression is often used when giving advice or expressing what someone ought to do based on social expectations, ethics, or practicality.
べきだ is suitable in various contexts, such as advice, societal expectations, and personal beliefs about what is best or most responsible.
Examples with べきだ
- 自分の責任を果たすべきだ
じぶんのせきにんをはたすべきだ
"You should fulfill your responsibilities." - もっと運動するべきだよ
もっとうんどうするべきだよ
"You should exercise more." - 環境問題について考えるべきだ
かんきょうもんだいについてかんがえるべきだ
"We should think about environmental issues."
べき – "Should" as a Noun Modifier
Frequent Usages
- やるべきこと – "Things you should do"
- 知るべきこと – "Things you should know"
- 守るべきルール – "Rules to follow"
- 読むべき本 – "Books you should read"
- 考えるべき問題 – "Issues to consider"
Meaning and Usage
When べき is used as a noun modifier, it means "things one should do" or "what ought to be done." This form is typically used to give a list of recommended actions or important points. Unlike べきだ, it does not include the verb "to be" (だ), so it sounds less like a direct command and more like a suggested list or guideline.
This form is useful for categorizing actions, such as "rules to follow," "topics to consider," or "tasks to do."
Examples with べき as a Modifier
- 読むべき本をリストにしました
よむべきほんをリストにしました
"I made a list of books you should read." - 知るべきことはたくさんある
しるべきことはたくさんある
"There are many things you should know." - やるべきことを先に済ませましょう
やるべきことをさきにすませましょう
"Let’s finish what we should do first."
べきではない – "Should Not" / "Ought Not To"
Frequent Usages
- 約束を破るべきではない – "You shouldn’t break promises."
- 人を騙すべきではない – "You shouldn’t deceive others."
- 無駄遣いするべきではない – "You shouldn’t waste money."
- 子供に厳しすぎるべきではない – "You shouldn’t be too strict with children."
- 忘れてはいけないことを忘れるべきではない – "You shouldn’t forget important things."
Meaning and Usage
べきではない is the negative form of べき and is used to indicate that something should not be done. This expression often conveys a sense of moral or social disapproval, implying that the action is inappropriate, irresponsible, or unacceptable.
It is used to discourage or advise against actions and is commonly applied to express ethical considerations, social rules, or common sense.
Examples with べきではない
- 他人の秘密を話すべきではない
たにんのひみつをはなすべきではない
"You shouldn’t talk about other people’s secrets." - 無駄遣いをするべきではない
むだづかいをするべきではない
"You shouldn’t waste money." - 人を侮辱するべきではない
ひとをぶじょくするべきではない
"You shouldn’t insult others." - 健康を無視するべきではない
けんこうをむしするべきではない
"You shouldn’t neglect your health."
Key Differences Between べきだ, べき, and べきではない
- べきだ – "Should" / "Ought to"
- Used to give strong recommendations, advice, or convey moral obligations.
- Example: 宿題をするべきだ – "You should do your homework."
- べき – "Should" as a Modifier
- Used to list or label actions or things that ought to be done, without directly stating "should."
- Example: 知るべきこと – "Things you should know."
- べきではない – "Should not"
- Used to advise against actions or discourage behaviors considered inappropriate or undesirable.
- Example: 無駄遣いするべきではない – "You shouldn’t waste money."
Summary Example Sentences
- べきだ
- 自分の責任を果たすべきだ
"You should fulfill your responsibilities."
- べき
- 読むべき本をリストにしました
"I made a list of books you should read."
- べきではない
- 他人の秘密を話すべきではない
"You shouldn’t talk about other people’s secrets."
These forms of べき allow speakers to express strong opinions on actions that are right or wrong, providing both positive and negative recommendations in a respectful yet clear manner.
