すべきではない
subeki de wa nai
The English phrase 'shouldn't' is translated into Japanese as すべきではない (subeki de wa nai).
すべきではない is used to express moral obligations, social duties or strong logical advice. It carries a strong sense of 'ought not to' based on principle rather than being a simple suggestion.
Meaning: Should not (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite, you can replace the plain negative nai with the polite negative arimasen, resulting in すべきではありません.
How do you pronounce it?
subeki de wa nai
Did you know?
- Using すべきではない to give advice to a superior or a boss can actually sound quite condescending, as it implies you are lecturing them on moral principles.
- The word すべき comes from the classical verb すべし, which expresses a strong, almost unavoidable necessity or a command from heaven or nature.
- In very formal or written Japanese, you might see the single word べからず used to mean 'should not' or 'must not', often appearing on old public signs or in literature.
Examples in context
- 人を外見で判断すべきではない。You shouldn't judge a person by his looks.This sentence shows how to use すべきではない to say one shouldn't judge people by their looks.Tatoeba #144406 by tommy_san, translation #270049 by CK
- 君はあんなふうに親に口答えすべきではない。You shouldn't talk back to your parents like that.This sentence uses すべきではない to express that one shouldn't talk back to parents in a certain way.Tatoeba #177944 by bunbuku, translation #16796 by CK
- 我々は人を外見で判断すべきではない。We shouldn't judge people by how they look.This sentence demonstrates the use of すべきではない regarding the advice not to judge people by their appearance.Tatoeba #982407 by thyc244, translation #982617 by CK
- 早く帰るべきではない。You shouldn't go home early.
- 彼に嘘をつくべきではない。You shouldn't lie to him.
- 食べ物をゴミ箱に捨ててはいけません。You must not throw food in the trash can.
- あなたは彼の秘密を知っているべきではない。You shouldn't know his secret.
- 公共の場で携帯電話を使うべきではない。You shouldn't use your cellphone in public places.
- 夜遅くまで起きるんじゃねえ。You shouldn't stay awake until late at night.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hina is advising Daiki about his health.
- 陽葵 Himari毎日あんなにたくさんお酒を飲むべきではないよ。Mainichi anna ni takusan osake o nomu beki de wa nai yo.You shouldn't drink that much alcohol every day.
- 大翔 Hiroto分かっているけど、ストレスが溜まっているんだ。Wakatte iru kedo, sutoresu ga tamatte iru n da.I know, but I've been feeling stressed.
- 陽葵 Himariそれでも、体に悪いことはすべきではないと思う。Soredemo, karada ni warui koto wa subeki de wa nai to omou.Even so, I think you shouldn't do things that are bad for your body.
- 大翔 Hirotoそうだね。明日から控えるよ。Sou da ne. Ashita kara hikaeru yo.You're right. I'll cut back starting tomorrow.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
