べく
For the purpose of, In order to, To ensure
Structure
Exceptions:
す(1) + べく
(1) する
Explanation
べく is the conjunctive form of the classical grammar point べし. It connects to the dictionary form of a verb to express the objective behind a certain action. It is often translated as 'in order to (A), (B)', 'with the aim of (A), (B)', or 'so that (A) can be achieved, (B)'.
べく can only be used with verbs of volition, meaning actions that are done with a specific intent. The (B) part of a sentence using べく must also be a deliberate action taken to accomplish the goal stated in the first part, (A).
- 新しい家を建てるべく、貯金を始めた。We started saving money with the goal of building a new house.
- 試験に合格するべく、毎日一生懸命勉強した。In order to pass the exam, I studied as hard as I could every day.
When べく follows the verb する, it traditionally attaches to its classical auxiliary verb form, す, creating すべく. In contemporary Japanese, however, it is also common to attach it directly to the dictionary form, creating するべく. Both variations are accepted as grammatically correct today.
- 問題を解決すべく、会議を開いた。We held a meeting in order to solve the problem.
- プロジェクトを期限までに完成するべく、みんなで協力している。Everyone is working together so that we can complete the project by the deadline.
In modern Japanese, べく is considered a highly formal expression. As a result, it is seldom heard in casual, everyday conversation.
Fun Fact
While べし and its various forms have different nuances in translation, their core meaning derives from the original kanji, 可し, which means 'to be possible' or 'permissible'. This foundation highlights that the action it modifies is a significant objective. Therefore, べく carries a stronger sense of purpose than a simple 'in order to (A)', leaning closer to a meaning like 'to achieve the goal of (A)'.
Examples
歴史書：「その武将は天下統一を成し遂げる可く、多くの戦に身を投じた。」
History Book: 'In order to achieve the unification of the country, that military commander threw himself into numerous battles.'
科学者の日記：「新しい仮説を証明す可く、彼は実験室に寝泊まりした。」
Scientist's Diary: 'In order to prove his new hypothesis, he began living and sleeping in his laboratory.'
真相を究明すべく、警察は特別捜査チームを結成した。
In order to get to the bottom of the case, the police formed a special investigation team.
夢の世界一周旅行に行くべく、毎月コツコツ貯金に励んでいる。
In order to go on my dream trip around the world, I'm working hard to save money little by little each month.
有名シェフ：「最高の一皿を作り上げる可く、食材は自ら生産者の元へ足を運び、厳選しています。」
Famous Chef: 'In order to create the perfect dish, I personally visit the producers to carefully select the ingredients.'
世界記録を更新すべく、そのアスリートは血のにじむような努力を続けた。
In order to break the world record, the athlete continued to make a back-breaking effort.
政治家の演説：「国民との約束を果たす可く、全力で政策に取り組んでまいります。」
Politician's Speech: 'In order to fulfill our promises to the people, we will tackle these policies with our utmost effort.'
画家の言葉：「自分にしか描けない絵を追求す可く、私は筆を取り続ける。」
An Artist's Words: 'In order to pursue the kind of art that only I can create, I will continue to pick up my brush.'
志望校に合格すべく、夏休みは毎日１０時間以上勉強した。
In order to pass the entrance exam for my school of choice, I studied for more than 10 hours every day during summer vacation.
我が子に最高の教育を提供す可く、両親は給料のほとんどを学費に充てた。
In order to provide their child with the best education, the parents put almost their entire salary toward school fees.
会社の使命：「お客様の期待に応える可く、私たちは常に革新を続けます。」
Company Mission: 'In order to meet our customers' expectations, we will constantly continue to innovate.'
環境問題に立ち向かうべく、多くの若者たちが立ち上がった。
In order to confront environmental issues, many young people have stood up to take action.