Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 auxiliary 7 min de lecture

〜べき

beki

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 〜べき en 30 secondes

Explication 〜べき in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners usually don't use 'beki'. Instead, they use simple sentences to express what they want or need. However, if you see 'beki', just think of it as a very strong 'should'. It is a word used when someone thinks something is very important to do because of a rule or a good reason. For example, 'You should eat' (Taberu beki da). It is better for A1 students to stick to 'shite kudasai' (please do) or 'shimasu' (will do) for now, as 'beki' can sound very serious and a bit difficult to conjugate correctly.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

For A2 learners, 'beki' is introduced as a way to say 'should' in a more formal way than 'ta hou ga ii'. While you might not use it in daily conversation with friends, you will start to see it in reading materials. The key for A2 is remembering that it attaches to the dictionary form of the verb. For example, 'neru' (sleep) becomes 'neru beki' (should sleep). You might also hear 'subeki' (should do) in classroom settings when a teacher explains what students are expected to do. It's a 'strong recommendation' based on rules.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of 'beki' vs other forms of obligation. You should use 'beki' when discussing social issues, professional duties, or moral choices. This is the level where you learn the past tense 'beki datta' to express regret (I should have...). You also learn the 'suru' exception ('subeki'). You should be able to identify that 'beki' is about what is 'right' or 'proper' rather than just what is 'convenient'. It's an essential tool for expressing your values and opinions in a more sophisticated Japanese style.

B2 learners should use 'beki' naturally in debates and formal writing. You will encounter 'beki' used as a noun modifier frequently (e.g., 'kaiketsu subeki kadai' - a task that should be solved). You should also be comfortable with the negative form 'beki de wa nai' to express strong disapproval based on ethics or logic. At this stage, you should understand that 'beki' carries a certain level of authority and use it intentionally to sound more persuasive or professional. You will also see it used in complex grammar structures like 'beki shite' or 'beki beku'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, 'beki' is used with high precision. You understand its roots in classical Japanese ('beshi') and can recognize archaic variants like 'bekarazu' in legal or historical contexts. You use 'beki' to articulate complex ethical frameworks or to critique structural issues in society. You are also aware of the subtle difference between 'beki' and 'mono da' (social expectation), using 'beki' for more active, logical obligations. Your use of 'beki' reflects a deep understanding of Japanese social hierarchy and the concept of 'giri' (duty).

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

For C2 speakers, 'beki' is a versatile rhetorical device. You can use it to evoke a sense of inevitable destiny or absolute moral law. You understand how its usage has shifted over time and can use it in highly formal speeches or academic papers to establish a tone of unquestionable authority. You can also play with the word's weight in literature or creative writing to show a character's internal struggle with duty. At this level, 'beki' is not just a grammar point, but a tool for nuanced philosophical expression and high-level social commentary.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

〜べき en 30 secondes

Used to express 'should' or 'ought to' based on moral or logical grounds.
Stronger than casual advice; implies a sense of duty or social expectation.
Attaches to the dictionary form of verbs (e.g., taberu-beki).
Uses 'subeki' or 'surubeki' for the verb 'to do'.

The Japanese auxiliary word 〜べき (beki) is a powerful and versatile tool used to express a sense of duty, moral obligation, or a strong recommendation. Derived from the classical Japanese auxiliary verb beshi, it carries a weight that translates roughly to "should," "ought to," or "must" in the sense of 'it is the right thing to do.' Unlike the more casual 〜たほうがいい (~ta hou ga ii), which sounds like friendly advice, 〜べき implies a broader societal, moral, or logical standard that the action is necessary.

Core Concept: Moral or logical obligation. It suggests that based on common sense, social rules, or personal principles, a certain action is the only correct path to take.
Grammatical Weight: It is more formal and forceful than general advice. It often appears in speeches, editorials, and serious discussions regarding ethics or professional conduct.

学生はもっと勉強すべきだ。(Gakusei wa motto benkyou subeki da.)
Students should study more (as a matter of duty).

When you use 〜べき, you are not just giving an opinion; you are invoking a sense of 'correctness.' For example, if you say someone 'should' pay their taxes, you would use 〜べき because it is a legal and social obligation. If you are telling a friend they 'should' try a new cake, 〜べき would be too heavy; you would use 〜たほうがいい instead. This distinction is crucial for B1 learners to master to avoid sounding overly preachy or aggressive in casual settings.

In terms of frequency, you will encounter this word in news broadcasts discussing what the government 'should' do, in workplace manuals regarding how employees 'should' behave, and in philosophical debates about how one 'should' live. It is a cornerstone of adult Japanese discourse, bridging the gap between simple desire and ethical necessity.

Usage Contexts: 1. Moral Duties (helping the elderly). 2. Professional Standards (arriving on time). 3. Logical Conclusions (if you want to pass, you should study). 4. Regret (I should have done...).

約束は守るべきです。(Yakusoku wa mamoru beki desu.)
Promises should be kept.

The grammar of 〜べき is relatively straightforward but has a few unique quirks, especially with the verb suru (to do). It primarily attaches to the dictionary form (plain form) of verbs. It functions like a na-adjective in some contexts, but most commonly it is followed by だ (da), です (desu), or ではない (dewa nai).

Standard Formation: [Verb Dictionary Form] + べき + [だ/です]. Example: 食べる + べき = 食べるべきだ (Should eat).
The 'Suru' Exception: For the verb する (suru), you can use either するべき (suru beki) or the more classical/formal すべき (su beki). Both are correct, but subeki is very common in writing.

今すぐ行動すべきだ。(Ima sugu koudou subeki da.)
We should take action right now.

To express the negative—"should not"—you add ではない (dewa nai) or ではないです (dewa nai desu) after beki. This indicates that an action is improper or shouldn't be done based on standards. Note that 〜べきではない is quite strong and can sound like a stern scolding.

もっと早く寝るべきだった。(Motto hayaku neru beki datta.)
I should have gone to bed earlier.

You can also use 〜べき as a noun modifier. In this case, it precedes a noun to describe it as something that 'ought to be' or 'should be.' For example, subeki koto (things that should be done). This is a very common way to create complex sentences in professional reports or academic essays.

Noun Modification: [Verb] + べき + [Noun]. Example: 解決すべき問題 (Kaiketsu subeki mondai) = A problem that should be solved.

Understanding the environment where 〜べき thrives is key to using it naturally. While you might hear it in anime during a dramatic speech about justice, in real life, it is most prevalent in formal and semi-formal contexts. It is the language of responsibility.

In the Workplace: Managers use it to outline company policy or professional expectations. "We should prioritize customer satisfaction" (Kyakusama no manzokudo o yuusensuru beki da).
In News and Media: Commentators use it to critique political decisions. "The government should provide more support" (Seifu wa motto shien o okonau beki da).

リーダーとして、責任を取るべきです。(Riidaa to shite, sekinin o toru beki desu.)
As a leader, you should take responsibility.

You will also hear 〜べき in educational settings. Teachers use it to guide students toward better habits. However, in close friendships, using beki too often can make you sound bossy or judgmental. If a friend asks for advice on which shoes to buy, saying "You should buy these" with beki sounds like you are making a moral judgment on their footwear! In that case, hou ga ii is much safer.

Another interesting place you'll find 〜べき is in self-reflection. Many people use it when writing in journals or thinking about their own goals. "I should be more patient" (Motto nintaizuyoku aru beki da). It represents an internal standard one strives to meet.

The most common pitfall for learners is using 〜べき when they actually mean to give light, personal advice. Because English uses "should" for both "You should try this pizza" and "You should obey the law," learners often default to beki for everything. This can lead to awkward social interactions.

Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Advice: Using beki for subjective opinions. Correct: Kono eiga, mita hou ga ii yo (You should see this movie). Incorrect/Awkward: Kono eiga, miru beki da (It is your duty to see this movie).
Mistake 2: Mixing with 'Must': Confusing beki with nakereba naranai. Nakereba naranai implies an external necessity or rule (you HAVE to do it). Beki implies a moral or logical 'should'.

✕ 明日、学校に行くべきです。
○ 明日、学校に行かなければなりません。
Use 'nakereba naranai' for mandatory rules like going to school.

Another mistake is the conjugation of suru. While surubeki is widely accepted now, some traditionalists or formal tests might prefer subeki. Avoid using shibeki or other incorrect stems. Stick to subeki or surubeki.

Finally, be careful with the past tense. Beki datta is for things you didn't do but should have. If you actually did it and want to say it was the right choice, you would use different phrasing like shite yokatta (I'm glad I did it).

Japanese has several ways to express obligation and advice. Choosing the right one depends on the level of urgency, the relationship between speakers, and the source of the 'should'.

〜たほうがいい (~ta hou ga ii): The most common way to give advice. It's personal and suggests that doing the action will result in a better outcome. "It would be better if you..."
〜なければならない (~nakereba naranai): Expresses a hard requirement or necessity. Use this for laws, rules, or unavoidable situations. "Must" or "Have to".
〜ものだ (~mono da): Expresses common sense or how things naturally should be according to social norms. "One should..." or "It's natural to..."

Comparison:
1. 食べるべきだ (Moral/logical duty to eat).
2. 食べたほうがいい (Personal advice to eat).
3. 食べなければならない (Physical/rule-based necessity to eat).

Another alternative for formal writing is 〜べからず (~bekarazu), which is the negative of the classical beshi. You will see this on signs (e.g., "Do not enter"). For B1 learners, understanding the jump from hou ga ii to beki is the most important step in developing a more adult and nuanced speaking style.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The 'su' in 'subeki' is actually the classical 'renyoukei' (continuative form) of the verb 'suru'. Even though modern Japanese usually uses 'suru', 'subeki' remains as a fossilized classical remnant that is still very much alive.

Guide de prononciation

UK /be.ki/

US /be.ki/

Flat or low-high depending on the preceding verb.

Rime avec

deki (completion) teki (target/suffix) reki (history) seki (seat/cough) geki (play/drama) heki (habit) eki (station) keki (cake - katakana)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'be' like the English word 'bee'. It should be like 'bed'.
Stressing the 'ki' too much.
Adding a long vowel to 'ki'.
Confusing it with 'beke' or 'baki'.
Using a rising intonation like a question when it's a statement.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but nuance requires context.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct conjugation and understanding of when it's too strong.

Expression orale 4/5

Risk of sounding too bossy if used incorrectly.

Écoute 3/5

Common in news and formal speeches.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

するだ/です〜たほうがいいなければならない辞書形 (Dictionary form)

Apprends ensuite

〜ものだ〜ことだ〜わけだ〜はずだ〜べきではない

Avancé

べしべからずべくまじきならでは

Grammaire à connaître

Verb Dictionary Form

食べるべきだ

Suru-to-Subeki

勉強すべきだ

Beki-datta for regret

行けばよかった (alternative) vs 行くべきだった

Beki as Noun Modifier

解決すべき問題

Negative Beki de wa nai

忘れるべきではない

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

食べるべきだ。

Should eat.

Dictionary form + beki.

行くべきです。

Should go.

Polite form of beki.

寝るべきだ。

Should sleep.

Simple obligation.

言うべきだ。

Should say.

Dictionary form + beki.

読むべきです。

Should read.

Polite advice.

見るべきだ。

Should see.

Strong recommendation.

待つべきだ。

Should wait.

Dictionary form + beki.

聞くべきです。

Should listen.

Polite obligation.

もっと勉強するべきだ。

Should study more.

Suru-beki form.

野菜を食べるべきです。

Should eat vegetables.

Polite health advice.

早く来るべきだ。

Should come early.

Dictionary form + beki.

正直に言うべきだ。

Should say honestly.

Adverb + verb + beki.

薬を飲むべきです。

Should take medicine.

Polite recommendation.

謝るべきだ。

Should apologize.

Moral obligation.

練習するべきだ。

Should practice.

Standard suru-beki.

ゴミは捨てるべきではない。

Should not throw away trash (here).

Negative form: beki de wa nai.

環境を守るべきだ。

Should protect the environment.

Social responsibility.

もっと早く準備すべきだった。

Should have prepared earlier.

Past tense: beki datta (regret).

彼は真実を知るべきです。

He should know the truth.

Logical necessity.

嘘をつくべきではない。

Should not tell lies.

Moral prohibition.

ルールは守るべきだ。

Rules should be followed.

General principle.

自分で決めるべきだ。

Should decide for yourself.

Personal responsibility.

親を大切にすべきだ。

Should value/care for parents.

Ethical duty.

これは解決すべき問題だ。

This is a problem that should be solved.

Noun modification: beki + noun.

政府は減税を検討すべきだ。

The government should consider tax cuts.

Political recommendation.

若いうちに苦労すべきだという意見もある。

There is an opinion that one should experience hardship while young.

Quoting a common belief.

信頼を裏切るべきではない。

One should not betray trust.

Strong ethical prohibition.

当然、報われるべき努力だ。

Naturally, it is effort that should be rewarded.

Logical conclusion.

彼はリーダーとしてふさわしい行動をとるべきだ。

He should act in a way appropriate for a leader.

Professional expectation.

もっと慎重に判断すべきだったのではないか。

Shouldn't we have judged more carefully?

Rhetorical question with past regret.

それは法的に規制されるべきです。

That should be regulated by law.

Legal/Social obligation.

今、我々がなすべきことは何か。

What is it that we should do now?

Classical 'nasubeki' (archaic/formal 'surubeki').

歴史から教訓を学ぶべきである。

We should learn lessons from history.

Formal 'beki de aru'.

個人の権利は最大限に尊重されるべきだ。

Individual rights should be respected to the maximum extent.

Philosophical/Legal principle.

この事態は重く受け止めるべきだ。

This situation should be taken seriously.

Strong emphasis on duty.

あるべき姿を追求する。

Pursue the way things ought to be.

Idiomatic 'arubeki sugata'.

過ちを繰り返すべきではないことは明白だ。

It is obvious that mistakes should not be repeated.

Logical assertion.

彼は叱責されるべき行為に及んだ。

He committed an act that should be reprimanded.

Formal noun modification.

社会全体で取り組むべき課題である。

It is a challenge that the whole of society should tackle.

Societal obligation.

真に恐れるべきは、無知である。

What we should truly fear is ignorance.

Philosophical statement.

万物は流転すべき運命にある。

All things are destined to be in flux.

Philosophical/Literary 'beki'.

正義は常になされるべきであるという信念。

The belief that justice should always be done.

Absolute moral imperative.

特筆すべき点は、その独創性にある。

The point that should be specifically noted is its originality.

Formal academic 'tokuhitsu subeki'.

彼は、然るべき報いを受けたのだ。

He received the retribution he deserved (that which should be).

Archaic/Formal 'sarubeki'.

国民の負託に応えるべき責務を負う。

Bear the duty that should respond to the mandate of the people.

High-level political discourse.

芸術は自由であるべきだという理想。

The ideal that art should be free.

Abstract concept of obligation.

看過すべからざる事態が出来した。

A situation occurred that must not be overlooked.

Classical negative 'subekarazaru'.

これこそが、我々の進むべき道だ。

This is precisely the path we should take.

Rhetorical emphasis.

Collocations courantes

解決すべき課題

あるべき姿

特筆すべき

当然～べきだ

なすべきこと

注意すべき点

恐れるべき

検討すべき

守るべきルール

驚くべき

Phrases Courantes

そうすべきだ

— One should do so. Used to agree with a suggested course of action.

私もそうすべきだと思います。

言うべきではない

— Should not say. Used when someone reveals a secret or says something rude.

そんなことは言うべきではない。

あるべきだ

— Should be. Used to describe an ideal state.

社会は公平であるべきだ。

なすべき

— That which should be done. A formal way to speak of duty.

なすべきをなす。

見るべきところがある

— To have points worth seeing/noting. Often used for talent or art.

彼の作品には見るべきところがある。

当然の如く～べき

— As if it's natural, one should... Used for strong logical expectations.

当然の如く、彼は来るべきだ。

反省すべき点

— Points to reflect on. Used when admitting a mistake.

私にも反省すべき点があります。

注目すべき

— Worthy of attention. Used in news or research.

注目すべき変化が見られる。

避けるべきだ

— Should avoid. Used for safety or social etiquette.

争いは避けるべきだ。

感謝すべきだ

— Should be grateful. Used for moral guidance.

親の助けに感謝すべきだ。

Souvent confondu avec

〜べき vs 〜たほうがいい

Beki is moral duty; Ta hou ga ii is personal advice.

〜べき vs 〜なければならない

Beki is 'should' (internal/logic); Nakereba naranai is 'must' (external/rule).

〜べき vs 〜はずだ

Beki is what someone should do; Hazu da is what is expected to happen.

Expressions idiomatiques

"あるべき姿"

— The way things ought to be; the ideal state.

日本の教育のあるべき姿を模索する。

Formal

"特筆すべき"

— Worthy of special mention; noteworthy.

特筆すべき成果は見られなかった。

Academic

"驚くべき"

— Surprising; amazing; 'should be surprised at'.

驚くべきスピードで成長した。

Neutral

"然るべき"

— Proper; appropriate; as it should be.

然るべき処置をとる。

Formal

"恐るべき"

— Dreadful; formidable; 'should be feared'.

恐るべき才能の持ち主だ。

Neutral

"言うに及ばず"

— Needless to say (related to the classical 'beki' roots).

味は言うに及ばず、見た目も美しい。

Formal

"喜ぶべきこと"

— Something to be happy about.

それは喜ぶべきことだ。

Neutral

"悲しむべき"

— Lamentable; regrettable.

これは悲しむべき事態だ。

Formal

"なすべきをなす"

— To do what must be done; to do one's duty.

ただ、なすべきをなすのみだ。

Literary

"見るべきものがない"

— Nothing worth seeing; mediocre.

この映画には見るべきものがない。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

〜べき vs べき

Both translate to 'should'.

Beki is obligation. Hazu is expectation.

彼は来るべきだ (He should come - duty). 彼は来るはずだ (He should come - I expect him).

〜べき vs ことだ

Both give advice.

Koto da is direct advice from experience. Beki is general obligation.

毎日歩くことだ (Advice). 規則は守るべきだ (Obligation).

Structures de phrases

[Verb Dictionary] べきです。

もっと練習するべきです。

[Verb Dictionary] べきだった。

早く言うべきだった。

[Verb Dictionary] べきではない。

嘘をつくべきではない。

[Verb Dictionary] べき [Noun]。

注意すべき点があります。

[Verb Dictionary] べきだという意見。

中止すべきだという意見が多い。

あるべき姿。

理想のあるべき姿を追求する。

[Verb Dictionary] べきである。

法は平等であるべきである。

〜すべからざる。

許すべからざる行為。

Famille de mots

Noms

べき論 (bekiron - arguing based on how things 'should' be)

Adjectifs

べき (auxiliary adjective)

Apparenté

べし (beshi - classical form)

べからず (bekarazu - must not)

べく (beku - in order to)

べからざる (bekarazaru - that which must not be)

べくして (bekushite - as it was bound to happen)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in professional and educational contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Tabemashita beki → Taberu beki
You must use the dictionary form, not the past form, before 'beki'.
Oishii beki → Oishiku aru beki
Adjectives need 'aru' to connect to 'beki'.
Shibeki → Subeki / Surubeki
The verb 'suru' has specific forms with 'beki'.
Beki masu → Beki desu
'Beki' is an auxiliary adjective and doesn't take 'masu' directly.
Beki no koto → Beki koto
Do not use 'no' between 'beki' and the noun it modifies.

Astuces

Verb Stems

Always use the dictionary form. Never use the masu-stem before 'beki'.

The Weight of Duty

Use 'beki' when there is a clear right and wrong answer based on society or logic.

Professional Tone

In reports, use 'beki' as a noun modifier to describe tasks: 'kaiketsu subeki kadai'.

Adding 'to omou'

To make 'beki' sound less aggressive, follow it with 'to omoimasu'.

Classical Roots

Remembering 'subeki' comes from classical Japanese helps you understand why it's formal.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Beki' as 'B-Key'. Doing what you 'should' do is the 'Key' to being a 'B'etter person.

Association visuelle

Imagine a judge holding a gavel with the word 'BEKI' written on it. The judge decides what 'should' happen.

Word Web

Duty Should Moral Obligation Subeki Beki datta Beki de wa nai Beshi

Défi

Try to write three sentences using 'beki' about your own country's laws or social rules.

Origine du mot

Derived from the classical Japanese auxiliary verb 'beshi' (べし). This root was used extensively in Old and Middle Japanese to express potential, intention, and obligation.

Sens originel : Potentiality or suitability; later evolved into necessity and command.

Japonic

Contexte culturel

Avoid using 'beki' when speaking to superiors unless you are stating a general fact, as it can sound like you are telling them how to do their job.

English speakers often use 'should' for both advice and duty. In Japanese, 'beki' is strictly for the latter. Using 'beki' for 'You should try this sushi' sounds very strange to Japanese ears.

Bushido (The Way of the Warrior) often discusses what a samurai 'subeki' (should do). Japanese news editorials (Shunsetsu) frequently use 'beki' to critique policy. Anime protagonists often shout about what they 'subeki' to save their friends.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Workplace Policy

報告すべきだ
確認すべきだ
改善すべきだ
相談すべきだ

Moral/Ethics

助けるべきだ
謝るべきだ
正直であるべきだ
守るべきだ

Academic/Research

検討すべきだ
注目すべきだ
比較すべきだ
考察すべきだ

Personal Regret

買うべきだった
行くべきだった
勉強すべきだった
言うべきだった

Social Criticism

規制すべきだ
支援すべきだ
見直すべきだ
廃止すべきだ

Amorces de conversation

"日本に来たら、どこに行くべきだと思いますか？"

"仕事で一番大切にすべきことは何ですか？"

"今の社会で解決すべき問題は何だと思いますか？"

"子供に教えるべき一番の道徳は何ですか？"

"昨日、もっと早く寝るべきだったと思いませんか？"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、あなたが「すべきだった」と思うことは何ですか？その理由も書いてください。

将来、どのような人間であるべきだと考えていますか？

あなたの国で、政府がもっと改善すべきだと思う点はどこですか？

親友として、相手に正直に言うべきこととは何でしょうか？

一日の始まりに「今日なすべきこと」をリストアップしてみましょう。

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Usually no. 'Beki' follows verbs. For adjectives, you must use the 'aru' form. For example, 'utsukushiku aru beki' (should be beautiful) instead of 'utsukushii beki'.

In modern spoken Japanese, both are used. In formal writing, 'subeki' is often preferred due to its classical roots.

Yes, it can be. If you use it for small things, you might sound like you are lecturing them. Use 'ta hou ga ii' instead.

It is 'beki de wa nakatta'. It means 'should not have done something'.

Yes, it's very common for self-reflection and expressing your own standards.

Yes, it can function like a na-adjective in phrases like 'beki na koto' (rare) but 'beki koto' is much more common.

Use 'de aru beki'. Example: 'Riidaa de aru beki da' (Should be a leader).

Yes. 'Nani o subeki deshou ka?' (What should I do?). This is very polite and professional.

It refers to an argument based on how things 'should' be, often ignoring practical reality.

In classical Japanese, yes. In modern Japanese, no. It only means obligation or worthiness.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes