GRAMMAR
〜べき ②
anyone would feel
expected to
Explanation
NOTE
〜べき can also directly modify a noun, meaning the thing one is expected to or what anyone would naturally do.
今行うべき仕事は、これだ。
This is the work that should be done now.
Unlike sentence-final べきだ, this べき sits between a verb and a noun.
NOTE
It is often used in formal, written, or instructive contexts — describing the natural or expected target of an action.
NOTE
Attach べき directly after a verb's dictionary form, then place the modified noun right after (守るべき規則 = rules that should be followed).
STRUCTURE
V辞
べき +N辞これは、学生として守るべきルールだ。
Kore wa, gakusei to shite mamoru beki ruuru da.
These are rules that should be followed as a student.
言うべき言葉が見つからない。
Iu beki kotoba ga mitsukaranai.
I can't find the words that should be said.
注意すべき点は、たくさんある。
Chuui su beki ten wa, takusan aru.
There are many points that should be noted.
Practice exercises
1
事実を曲げてはならない。それは皆が認めるべき点だ。
You must not distort the truth. That is a point everyone would acknowledge.
Answer
認めるべき
2
理由を聞かないことには、批判すべきではない。彼の言葉は尊重すべきことだ。
Unless you hear the reason, you shouldn't criticize. His words are something everyone would respect.
Answer
尊重すべき
3
真実を言うべきだ。彼の話には注目すべき点がある。
You should tell the truth. His story has points that anyone would pay attention to.
Answer
注目すべき
4
その芸術には多くの感銘を受けるべき要素がある。
That art has many elements that anyone would be impressed by.
Answer
感銘を受けるべき
5
歴史を振り返ると、考えるべき教訓が多い。
Looking back at history, there are many lessons that anyone would consider.
Answer
考えるべき