GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜ばよかった
Expresses belated regret that an action should have been taken in the past.
Examples
地図を確認してから出発すればよかった。
I should have checked the map before leaving.
Words used
あのとき、もっと早く相談すればよかった。
I wish I had asked for advice sooner at that time.
Words used
出かける前に天気予報を見ればよかった。
I wish I had checked the weather forecast before going out.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
よかったto a verb's ba-form to express regret or a wish that a different action had been taken in a past situation. - Basic usage:
あのとき、もっと早く相談すればよかった。regrets not having sought advice sooner at that time.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Regretting an action that was taken
言えばよかったregrets not speaking, whereas言わなければよかったregrets having spoken. To wish for not doing something, change the nai-form ending toなければ.
- Unlike satisfaction with an actual action
相談すればよかったwishes that advice had been sought, while相談してよかったpositively evaluates having actually sought it. The choice of ba-form or te-form changes how the action relates to what happened.