たほうがいいIt is better to; should
This pattern recommends doing an action because it is the better choice in the situation. The speaker is comparing that action with not acting or with another option.
Choosing the better option
The comparison may be stated openly, or it may simply be understood from the situation. The pattern does more than identify a possible option: it presents the action as preferable.
An explicit comparison
電車とバスなら、渋滞を避けるために電車で行ったほうがいいです。
Between the train and the bus, it would be better to take the train to avoid traffic.
AnalyzeThe two alternatives are named directly, and the train is recommended as the better one.
An understood comparison
顔色が悪いですよ。今日は早く帰ったほうがいいと思います。
You look unwell. I think you should go home early today.
AnalyzeThe unstated comparison is between going home early and continuing as usual. Giving a reason and adding “I think” make the unsolicited recommendation more tactful.
Asking for advice
この薬は食後に飲んだほうがいいですか。
Is it better to take this medicine after a meal?
AnalyzeThe speaker names one action and asks whether it is the advisable choice.
More examples
週末は混むので、ホテルを予約したほうがいいですよ。
Hotels get busy on weekends, so you should make a reservation.
Analyzeこの文章は声に出して読んだほうがいい。
It is better to read this passage aloud.
Analyze明日は雨だから、傘を持っていったほうがいいよ。
It will rain tomorrow, so you should take an umbrella.
Analyze出発する前に、地図を確認したほうがいいです。
You should check the map before leaving.
Analyzeもっと大きい病院へ行ったほうがいいですか。
Would it be better to go to a larger hospital?
Analyze寒いので、窓を閉めたほうがいいですよ。
It is cold, so you should close the window.
Analyze