べきだ・
Use this pattern to judge that an action is the right or wrong thing to do according to a moral, social, or practical standard. It often corresponds to “should” or “should not,” but it expresses a fairly strong judgment rather than a neutral requirement.
Judging what is right
べきだ presents an action as proper, responsible, or strongly advisable. The standard behind the judgment may be ethical, social, or practical, so the form is especially natural when the speaker can point to a clear reason.
Positive and negative judgments
社会に影響する企業は、判断の理由を説明するべきだ。
Companies that affect society should explain the reasons for their decisions.
AnalyzeThe judgment rests on the social responsibility of companies.
他人の失敗を笑うべきではない。
You should not laugh at other people's mistakes.
AnalyzeThis evaluates the behavior as wrong; it does not merely state a rule.
Looking back and modifying a noun
べきだった looks back on a choice and says that another action would have been right. It commonly conveys regret or criticism. Before a noun, use べき directly, without the final だ.
Using it with restraint
部下が同じミスを繰り返しているんです。
One of my staff members keeps making the same mistake.
Analyze私なら、まず本人の話を聞くべきだと思います。
If it were me, I'd say the right first step is to hear what the person has to say.
AnalyzeFraming the comment as a personal view makes the judgment less blunt, though the underlying recommendation remains strong.
Judgment, requirement, or advice?
べきだ says what the speaker judges to be right. For a fixed rule, schedule, or unavoidable requirement, use a must-form such as なければならない. For advice without such an overt appeal to a standard, ことだ is often less judgmental.
More examples
責任ある立場の人は、批判にも耳を傾けるべきだ。
People in positions of responsibility should listen to criticism too.
Analyze一度の失敗だけで人を判断するべきではない。
You should not judge someone based on a single failure.
Analyzeあのとき、もっと正直に話すべきだった。
I should have spoken more honestly then.
Analyze証拠が不十分なのに、結論を急ぐべきではなかった。
We should not have rushed to a conclusion when the evidence was insufficient.
Analyzeこれは全員で考えるべき課題だ。
This is an issue that everyone should consider together.
Analyze企業は環境への影響をもっと重視すべきだ。
Companies should place greater importance on their environmental impact.
Analyze