![(Alt Text: Joy getting advice [Ta hou ga ii] vs. Joy following rules [Beki])](https://jplt-dialogplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Gemini_Generated_Image_b4lblwb4lblwb4lb.png)
(Joy getting advice [Ta hou ga ii] vs. Joy following rules [Beki])
“You should go to the hospital.” vs. “We should follow the law.”
In Japanese, “Should” has two levels. 〜たほうがいい (Ta hou ga ii) is for advice, while 〜べき (Beki) is for duty. Using “Beki” wrongly can make you sound very bossy! Let’s learn the difference with Joy and Ken.
🗣 Conversation Scene
Joy looks pale and is coughing.
今日（きょう）は 早く 帰（かえ）ったほうがいい ですよ。
(Joy, you look pale. You “had better” go home early today. [Concern])
(But, I “must/ought to” submit the report by tomorrow… [Responsibility])
💡 Explanation
Check the verb connection and the strength of the feeling.
Point 1: 〜たほうがいい (Ta hou ga ii) = Advice
Connection: Verb (Ta-form) + ほうがいい
Meaning: “It is better to…” / “I suggest you…”
Use this for personal advice or suggestions based on a specific situation. It implies “If you do this, the result will be good.”
- 薬（くすり）を 飲（の）んだほうがいい です。
(You should take medicine. [Advice for health]) - タクシーで 行（い）ったほうがいい です。
(It’s better to go by taxi. [Suggestion])
Point 2: 〜べき (Beki) = Duty / Obligation
Connection: Verb (Dictionary form) + べき
Meaning: “Must” / “Ought to” / “It is natural to…”
Use this for social rules, common sense, or moral duties. It sounds strong and objective. It is not just an opinion; it is “the right thing.”
- 約束（やくそく）は 守（まも）る べき です。
(One ought to keep promises. [Moral duty]) - お年寄（としよ）りには 親切（しんせつ）にする べき です。
(We should be kind to the elderly. [Social common sense])
📊 Comparison Table
🚧 Joy’s Mistake
(Speaking to a boss or senior)
❌ Wrong: 社長（しゃちょう）、もっと 休（やす）む べき です。
(Use “Beki” to a superior is rude. It sounds like you are preaching or correcting their morals!)
✅ Right: 社長（しゃちょう）、もっと 休（やす）まれたほうがいい です。
(Even “Ta hou ga ii” can be direct. Adding “Keigo” or saying “Yasunde kudasai” is safer.)
🔥 Practice Quiz
Tap to check the answer!
