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.
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.
You should keep your promises.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
〜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.
You should go to the hospital. (friendly advice)
学生は勉強すべきです。
Students should study.
He should arrive soon.
That movie should be interesting.
Used for logical conclusions. "So that means..." or "It should be the case that...". More explanatory than はず.
If he's not coming, the meeting should be canceled.
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.
I should get going soon.
Also used for moral or social obligations. See the advice section.
You should be grateful to your parents.
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.
We should get going soon.
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.
You should not lie.
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.).