Translation guide
Expresses obligation, advisability, or expectation. Japanese uses various conditional, hortative, and duty-based patterns depending on the nuance.
Saying what is a good idea or the right thing to do.
The most common way to say 'should' for advice. Literally 'it's better to do ~'. Used with past tense (ta-form) of verbs.
You should go to bed early.
You should eat more vegetables.
Stronger 'should', implying moral duty or proper conduct. Often used in formal or written contexts. Attaches to dictionary form of verbs.
You should keep your promises.
Soft suggestion, 'it would be good if...'. Less direct than 〜たほうがいい. Used with dictionary form or nai-form.
You should talk to the teacher once.
Expressing that something is required or expected by rules, social norms, or personal responsibility.
Standard expression for 'must' or 'have to'. Implies no choice. Often shortened to 〜なきゃ in casual speech.
Saying that something is likely to happen or should be the case based on logic or schedule.
Indicates expectation based on reason or information. 'It should be that...' / 'I expect that...'. Attaches to plain form.
Saying that something should have been done differently in the past.
Past form of べきだ. Expresses regret or criticism about something not done.
I should have studied more.
〜たほうがいい is a general recommendation ('it's better to...'), while 〜べきだ implies a stronger sense of moral duty or correctness. Use 〜たほうがいい for everyday advice, and 〜べきだ for rules or ethical statements.
You should go to bed early. (friendly advice)
I have to submit the report by tomorrow.
I should go now. (I have to go.)
Also used for moral obligation. Stronger sense of 'ought to'.
You should take good care of your parents.
Similar to 〜なければならない, but slightly more conversational. Often contracted to 〜ないと.
You have to practice every day.
He should have arrived by now.
You should get better if you take this medicine.
Logical conclusion. 'So that means...' / 'It should follow that...'. Used when explaining a reason.
He lived in Japan for 10 years, so he should be good at Japanese.
I should have told the truth at that time.
Expresses regret: 'If only I had...'. More emotional than べきだった.
I should have brought an umbrella.
You should not lie. (moral stance)
English 'should' does not have a single direct equivalent in Japanese. Translating 'should' as するべき every time can sound overly formal or judgmental. Choose the pattern based on the nuance you want to convey.