GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜べきだ
Presents an action as appropriate according to social standards or reasonable judgment.
Examples
結果だけでなく努力の過程も評価すべきだ。
We should evaluate not only the result but also the process and effort.
Words used
公共の場所では周りの人に配慮すべきだ。
People should be considerate of others in public places.
Words used
重要な資料は安全な場所に保管すべきだ。
Important documents should be kept in a secure place.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
べきだto a dictionary-form verb to state an action considered appropriate under a standard or judgment. - Basic usage:
公共の場所では周りの人に配慮すべきだ。states that people ought to be considerate of others in public.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Two connections for する
- Both
確認するべきだand確認すべきだare possible. Other verbs connect in the dictionary form, as in読むべきだ.
- Both
- Strength of advice
一度相談したほうがいいrecommends consulting someone, whereas相談すべきだmore explicitly judges consultation to be the proper action. Addressing someone directly with it can sound like a strong demand.