Learning objectives
- Lesson goals: Master the advice pattern ta hou ga ii — "it's better to..." — a gentle and practical way to give suggestions.
- Form and connection: [Verb ta-form] ほうがいい
- Nuance in real use: たほうがいい is the gentlest way to give advice in Japanese. It never says "you must" — only "it's better to." In Japanese culture, direct commands are often gift-wrapped as suggestions.
Form and connection
Core Explanation
Master the advice pattern ta hou ga ii — "it's better to..." — a gentle and practical way to give suggestions.
Cultural Note
Practical examples
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
Show answer
[Verb ta-form] ほうがいいShow answer
You'd better go to bed early.Show answer
今いますぐ予約よやくしたほうがいいです。 ([Verb ta-form] ほうがいい)Continue learning
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