InitialJ
N4expressionobligation

べきだ (beki da) - Should/Ought to

[Verb dictionary form] + べきです

Quick answer

[Verb dictionary form] + べきです means "Should, ought to (strong advice)". As a N4 grammar point, it is tested in the JLPT. Detailed examples and a usage explanation are on this page.

Meaning

Should, ought to (strong advice)

Explanation

べきだ expresses strong obligation or moral duty.

Examples

学生は勉強するべきです。
がくせいはべんきょうするべきです。
Students should study.
学—Study生—Life勉—to strive強—Strong
謝るべきだと思います。
あやまるべきだとおもいます。
I think you should apologize.
謝—Thank思—to think

Practice this grammar

[Verb dictionary form] + べきです

Which sentence correctly uses "べきだ (beki da) - Should/Ought to"?

Vocabulary from these examples

思to thinkN4生LifeN5学StudyN5強StrongN4謝ThankN3勉to striveN4学Study

Last updated Jul 4, 2026