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べき

beki

べき isn't "have to" — it's a ruler held over the situation

The picture A straight ruler of right and wrong, held over the situation from above. Not your circumstances — what the ruler points at.

Everyday expressions

Where the picture shows up in べき

  1. where the ruler points

    これはすぐ上司に報告すべきです。

    kore wa sugu jōshi ni hōkoku subeki desu

    This should be reported to the boss right away.

    With する, the set form すべき is more common than するべき.

  2. the same ruler for everyone

    約束は守るべきだと思います。

    yakusoku wa mamorubeki da to omoimasu

    I think promises should be kept.

  3. over the line

    お客様の前でそんなことを言うべきではありません。

    okyakusama no mae de sonna koto o iubeki de wa arimasen

    You shouldn't say that in front of a customer.

    Saying べきです straight to someone sounds like a lecture. 「~したほうがいいと思います」lands softer.

  4. the ruler held up afterwards

    もっと早く病院に行くべきでした。

    motto hayaku byōin ni ikubeki deshita

    I should have gone to the doctor sooner.

  5. where the ruler belongs

    注意すべき点が三つあります。

    chūi subeki ten ga mittsu arimasu

    There are three points to watch out for.

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