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JLPT N2 Formal

〜beki dewa nai

Express that an action should not be done; 'should not', 'ought not to'.

Formal normative judgment - "should not", based on what's proper or expected, not a hard rule.

Formation

Explanation

The ～べきではない grammar point is used to indicate that an action is not recommended or should not be done. It can be translated as 'should not' or 'ought not to' in English. The typical formation is “Verb-dictionary form + べきではない.”

Example sentences

  • If there's no reason to be late, you shouldn’t be late.

    Okureru riyuu ga nai nara, okureru beki dewa arimasen.

  • You shouldn’t say hurtful things to children.

    Kodomo ni waruguchi o iu beki dewa arimasen.

  • You should not take too much of this medicine at once.

    Kono kusuri wa ichido ni nomisugiru beki dewa nai.

  • You shouldn't share personal information with strangers.

    Shiranai hito to kojin jouhou o kyouyuu suru beki dewa nai.

Prohibition (Must Not / Should Not)