N3 · Structured courses

Beki: Should, Ought To (Moral)

Learn べき for "should" based on morality, duty, or common sense — stronger than はず. This lesson combines form, context, examples, common mistakes, and practice so you can use the pattern in real communication.

12 minNihongo Hub Editorial TeamPublished 2026-06-06Updated 2026-06-06

Learning objectives

  • Lesson goals: Learn べき for "should" based on morality, duty, or common sense — stronger than はず.
  • Form and connection: [Verb辞书形] べき
  • Nuance in real use: This intermediate pattern adds sophistication to your Japanese.

Form and connection

[Verb辞书形] べき

Core Explanation

Learn べき for "should" based on morality, duty, or common sense — stronger than はず.

Cultural Note

This intermediate pattern adds sophistication to your Japanese.

Practical examples

Students should study.
One should not lie.
You should travel while you're young.

Common pitfalls

Build the base form before adding the pattern

Complete the required conjugation first. Do not keep polite and plain endings at the same time.

Match politeness to the situation

The examples are reliable starting points; relationships and context can still change the most natural wording.

Practice and answers

1. Write the connection formula for this lesson.
Show answer[Verb辞书形] べき
2. Explain the meaning of the first example.
Show answerStudents should study.
3. Rewrite the final example using this lesson pattern.
Show answer若わかいうちに旅行りょこうするべきだ。 ([Verb辞书形] べき)

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