Translation guide
The English modal verb "should" has no single direct equivalent in Japanese. The best translation depends on whether you are giving advice, expressing expectation, stating obligation, or making a suggestion. This guide covers the most natural Japanese expressions for each use.
Telling someone what is good or advisable to do
The most common and natural way to say "should" for advice. Literally means "it's better to do ~". Attach to the past tense plain form of a verb.
早く寝たほうがいいよ。
You should go to bed early.
You should eat more vegetables.
A stronger, more formal way to say "should", often implying a moral or social obligation. Can sound preachy if used casually. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
約束は守るべきだ。
You should keep your promises.
学生は勉強すべきです。
Students should study.
A softer, more suggestion-like "should". Literally "it would be good if ~". Often used when the speaker is less pushy. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
たまには休むといいよ。
You should take a break sometimes.
Saying that something is expected to happen or be the case
Used when you have a reason to believe something is true or will happen. "Should" in the sense of "I expect that...". Attach to the plain form of a verb/adjective/noun.
彼はもう着くはずです。
He should arrive soon.
その映画は面白いはずだよ。
That movie should be interesting.
Used for logical conclusions. "So that means..." or "It should be the case that...". More explanatory than はず.
彼が来ないなら、会議は中止になるわけだ。
If he's not coming, the meeting should be canceled.
Saying what is proper or required, often in rules or social norms
The standard way to express "must" or "have to", but can be softened to "should" in context. Literally "if not do, won't become". Attach to the negative stem of a verb.
明日までにレポートを出さなければならない。
I should submit the report by tomorrow.
A slightly more colloquial version of なければならない. Often used in spoken Japanese.
そろそろ行かないといけない。
I should get going soon.
Also used for moral or social obligations. See the advice section.
親に感謝すべきだ。
You should be grateful to your parents.
Proposing a course of action, often including the speaker
A casual way to say "Why don't you ~?" or "You should ~". Attach to the past tense plain form of a verb.
先生に聞いてみたらどう？
You should ask the teacher. / Why don't you ask the teacher?
The polite volitional form, used for "let's ~" but can imply "we should ~". Attach to the stem of a verb.
そろそろ出かけましょう。
We should get going soon.
Telling someone not to do something
The negative of 〜たほうがいい. "You shouldn't ~" or "It's better not to ~". Attach to the negative plain form of a verb.
そんなこと言わないほうがいいよ。
You shouldn't say things like that.
Formal and strong. "Should not" in a moral or rule-based sense. Attach to the dictionary form of a verb.
嘘をつくべきではない。
You should not lie.
〜たほうがいい is a friendly suggestion ("it's better to"), while 〜べきだ is a stronger statement of obligation ("one ought to"). Using べきだ with friends can sound judgmental.
病院に行ったほうがいいよ。
You should go to the hospital. (friendly advice)
病院に行くべきだ。
You should go to the hospital. (strong obligation)
There is no single Japanese word for 'should'. Avoid trying to translate it word-for-word. Instead, choose the pattern that matches your intended meaning (advice, expectation, obligation, etc.).