Should / Ought To: 〜べきだ

Learn how 〜べきだ expresses what someone ought to do based on judgment, responsibility, or principle.

Use 〜べきだ for strong advice or normative judgment.Distinguish 〜べきだ from はずだ and なければならない.Recognize when the tone is strong or argumentative.

Guided study

Core Meaning

Verb dictionary form + べきだ means 'should' or 'ought to.' It expresses what the speaker believes is proper, reasonable, or expected behavior.

約束は守るべきだ。

You should keep your promises.

This is a judgment about what is right.

大事なメールには早く返事をするべきです。

You should reply quickly to important emails.

The speaker presents a norm or expectation.

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Use the N3 Japanese grammar lessons guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.

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Use the Japanese grammar practice guide to connect this lesson with related reading practice.