何をすべきか
nani o subeki ka
The English phrase "what to do" is translated into Japanese as 何をすべきか (nani o subeki ka).
This phrase refers to the correct action or course of action to take in a given situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 何をすべきか is composed of 何 (what), を (object marker), すべき (should do) and か (question particle).
Which one should you use?
While 何をすべきか implies a sense of duty or the "correct" thing to do, the alternative 何をすればいいか is a common way to express "what I should do" or "what would be good to do," often used when seeking advice or the best course of action.
How do you pronounce it?
nani o subeki ka
When do people say it?
When someone is facing a challenge, you might say 頑張ってください！ which means "Good luck!"
Did you know?
- In business settings, if a superior asks 何をすべきか, they are often not asking for suggestions, but are instead subtly highlighting that a clear plan of action has not yet been presented.
- When Japanese people are truly at a loss for 'what to do', they often use the phrase どうしよう (dou shiyou). This is a reflexive, almost unconscious mutter that functions more as an emotional sigh than a literal question.
- While 'what to do' is a simple question in English, using 何をすべきか in a casual conversation with friends might sound unnaturally stiff or overly dramatic, like a character in a philosophical novel.
Examples in context
- 私は次に何をすべきかわからない。I don't know what to do next.This sentence shows how to use 何をすべきか when expressing ignorance about the next step.Tatoeba #156353 by bunbuku, translation #258177 by CK
- 何をすべきか、考えなければならない。I must think about what to do.This sentence demonstrates using 何をすべきか to express the necessity of thinking about an action.Tatoeba #187604 by bunbuku, translation #24741 by Objectivesea
- 問題は次に何をすべきかだということだ。The problem is what to do next.This sentence uses 何をすべきか to identify a specific problem regarding the next step.Tatoeba #79822 by bunbuku, translation #323894 by CK
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A student and a mentor are discussing a difficult project.
- 陽葵 Himari何をすべきか、教えていただけますか？Nani o subeki ka, oshiete itadakemasu ka?Could you tell me what I should do?
- 健太 Kentaまずは、資料を整理することだよ。Mazu wa, shiryou o seiri suru koto da yo.First, you should organize the documents.
- 陽葵 Himariわかりました。すぐに始めます。Wakarimashita. Sugu ni hajimemasu.I understand. I will start immediately.
- 健太 Kenta頼りにしているよ、陽葵。Tayori ni shite iru yo, Himari.I'm counting on you, Himari.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
