Processing keyword: ～べきだ (〜beki da)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～べきだ (〜beki da)

1. Introduction

In Japanese, expressing obligations or stating what someone should or ought to do is an essential aspect of communication. The grammar point ～べきだ (〜beki da) is used to convey this sense of duty or recommendation. This lesson will delve into the usage of ～べきだ, its formation, nuances, and provide plenty of examples to help you understand how to use it naturally in various contexts.

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2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• ～べきだ expresses that someone should or ought to do something.
• It indicates a strong suggestion, moral obligation, or advice.

Structure

The structure involves attaching べきだ to the basic (dictionary) form of a verb.

Verb (dictionary form) + べきだ / べきではない

Formation Diagram

Verb Form	Attachment	Example Verb	Full Expression	English Meaning
Dictionary form	+ べきだ	行く (iku)	行くべきだ	Should go
Negative dictionary form	+ べきではない	行かない (ikanai)	行かないべきではない	Should not go (Uncommon)
Exception - する (suru)	Replace with すべきだ	する (suru)	すべきだ	Should do

Note: While "行かないべきではない" is grammatically possible, it's more natural to say "行くべきではない" to express "should not go."

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3. Comparative Analysis

～たほうがいい vs. ～べきだ

• ～たほうがいい: Suggests that it is better to do something. It’s a softer recommendation.
  • Example: 早く寝たほうがいいです。
    You'd better go to bed early.
• ～べきだ: Implies a stronger sense of obligation or moral duty.
  • Example: 約束は守るべきだ。
    You should keep your promises.

～なければならない vs. ～べきだ

• ～なければならない: Indicates necessity; must do something.
  • Example: 毎日勉強しなければならない。
    I must study every day.
• ～べきだ: Suggests a recommendation based on common sense or moral judgment.
  • Example: 他人を尊重すべきだ。
    You should respect others.

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4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 環境を大切にすべきです。
   We should value the environment.
2. お客様には丁寧に対応すべきだ。
   You should respond politely to customers.

Informal Context

1. もっと野菜を食べるべきだよ。
   You should eat more vegetables.
2. 彼に謝るべきだった。
   I should have apologized to him.

Written Context

1. 法は全ての人に平等であるべきだ。
   The law ought to be equal for all people.
2. この問題について真剣に考えるべきである。
   One should think seriously about this issue.

Spoken Context

1. そんなに無理するべきじゃないよ。
   You shouldn't push yourself so hard.
2. 早めに予約すべきだったなあ。
   We should have made a reservation earlier.

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5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Japanese culture, indirectness and humility are valued in communication. While ～べきだ is used to express what someone should do, it carries a strong tone and can sound imposing if not used carefully.

• It's often used when giving advice based on moral grounds or common sense.
• In hierarchical relationships, using ～べきだ towards someone of higher status may come off as rude.

Politeness Levels

• Using です/ます forms increases politeness:
  • Example: 話し合うべきです。
    We should discuss (this).
• To soften the expression, sometimes the phrase と思います (I think) is added:
  • Example: もっと感謝するべきだと思います。
    I think you should be more appreciative.

Idiomatic Expressions

• 見るべきものがある。
  There's something worth seeing.
• 聞くべき話がある。
  There's something one should hear.

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6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Common Mistakes

1. Using the negative form incorrectly
   • Incorrect: 行かないべきだ。
     (Should not go - unnatural)
   • Correct: 行くべきではない。
     You should not go.
2. Overusing ～べきだ in casual conversation
   • May come off as too strong or bossy.
   • Alternative: Use softer suggestions like ～たほうがいい.
3. Incorrectly conjugating する verbs
   • Incorrect: 勉強するべきだ。
   • Correct: 勉強すべきだ。
     You should study.

Tips

• Remember the exception with する verbs: Use すべきだ instead of するべきだ.
• To soften the advice, add と思います or use a conditional form.

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7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～べきだ is used to express strong advice or moral obligation.
• Attach べきだ to the dictionary form of verbs.
• Be cautious with politeness levels; adjust your language according to the situation.
• Use べきではない to express what someone should not do.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. How do you say "You should read this book" in Japanese using ～べきだ?
   • Answer: この本を読むべきだ。
2. What is the polite form of "We should protect nature"?
   • Answer: 自然を守るべきです。
3. How do you express "She should not tell lies" using ～べきだ?
   • Answer: 彼女は嘘をつくべきではない。

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By understanding and practicing the usage of ～べきだ, you'll be able to give strong recommendations and express obligations appropriately in Japanese. Remember to consider the context and politeness level to communicate effectively and respectfully.

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