べき
Must, Should , Ought to
Structure
Verb + べき + Noun
［い］Adjective + くある + べき + だ
［な］Adjective + である + べき + だ
Noun + である + べき + だ
Exceptions:
する ￫ すべき
Explanation
The auxiliary verb べき, which comes from the attributive form of the classical verb べし, is used with other verbs to express a strong sense of duty or social obligation. It communicates that an action 'should be done' or 'ought to be done' because it is the most appropriate or morally correct choice. The origin is the kanji 可き, which means 'permissible', implying that other actions are not suitable.
べき always attaches to the dictionary form (non-past) of a verb. It is typically followed by だ to end a sentence, or it can be used to modify a noun that comes after it.
- うそをつかないで、本当の事を話すべきだ。Instead of lying, you ought to tell the truth.
- 自分の間違いは正直に認めるべきだ。You should honestly admit your own mistakes.
- 先生は私たちが尊敬すべき人です。Teachers are people we ought to respect.
- これはみんなが知っておくべき情報だ。This is information that everyone should know.
While べき is often translated as 'should' or 'must', it is crucial to understand its strong nuance. It conveys that an action is the only proper or socially acceptable option, making it more forceful than a simple recommendation.
Caution
It is important to remember that the verb preceding べき must be in its dictionary form. To express that something 'should have been done' in the past, you must make the end of the sentence past-tense by using だった or でした after べき.
- しまった、傘を持ってくるべきだった。Oh no, I should have brought an umbrella.
- もっと早くご連絡するべきでした。申し訳ありません。We should have contacted you sooner. We sincerely apologize.
Fun Fact
Modern standard Japanese has only 18 official auxiliary verbs, and べき is not on that list. Its dictionary form, べし, is a classical auxiliary verb. Because of this historical connection, both べき and べし are frequently referred to as classical auxiliary verbs.
Fun Fact
The verb する followed by べき is a unique case in Japanese grammar where two different forms are considered correct. You can use either するべき or すべき, and both are equally acceptable in any situation.
- 環境を守るために、リサイクルするべきだ。To protect the environment, we should recycle.
- 次に何をすべきか、よく考えよう。Let's think carefully about what we should do next.
Examples
約束は守る可きだ。
You should keep your promises.
行う可きことは全て終わらせた。
I finished all the things that I should do.
この映画は絶対に観る可きだよ。感動するから。
You should definitely see this movie because it's so moving.
仕事を辞める可きかどうか、一晩中考えた。
I thought all night about whether or not I should quit my job.
災害に備えて、水や食料を準備す可きだ。
You should prepare water and food in case of a disaster.
間違えたのなら、きちんと謝る可きだ。
If you made a mistake, you should apologize properly.
子どもはもっと外で遊ぶ可きだと思う。
I think children should play outside more.
健康のために、毎日少しでも運動をする可きです。
For the sake of your health, you should exercise at least a little bit every day.
年上の人には敬意を払う可きだ。
You should show respect to your elders.
自分が進む可き道がわからなくなった。
I've become unsure of the path I should take in life.
環境を守るため、ゴミの分別はきちんとす可きだ。
To protect the environment, we should properly sort our trash.
医者に見てもらう可きですよ。そんなに咳が出るなら。
You should see a doctor if you're coughing that much.