～ほうがいい | Grammar

Structure

[verb た-form] + ほうがいい [verb ない-form] + ほうがいい [noun] + の + ほうがいい

Description

ほうがいい gives advice: "you should", "you'd better". For doing something, the verb goes in the た-form even though the advice is about the future; for not doing something, it goes in the ない-form.

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You should go to bed early.

。

You should take an umbrella.

。

You shouldn't drink alcohol.

The negative stays in the present: ない, never なかった.

× 飲まなかったほうがいい → 飲まないほうがいい

A dictionary form before ほうがいい is possible, but it states what is better in general rather than telling someone what to do.

ほうがいい or べきだ

ほうがいい is practical advice: it will turn out better for you. べきだ says what is right, as a duty, and sounds much heavier.

。

You should go to the doctor.

。

You ought to keep your promises.

Usage notes

These go beyond advice about an action.

Softening it

Said straight to someone above you, ほうがいい can sound like a lecture. とおもいます思います after it makes it an opinion.

。

I think it would be better to check once more.

Choosing between things

After a noun with の, ほうがいい picks one of two: "X is better".

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This one is better.

Examples

、。

It’s hot, so you should drink water.

、。

If you’re tired, you should go to bed early.

、。

Since you have an exam, you shouldn’t go out.

、。

The food at that restaurant isn’t good, so you shouldn’t go.

、。

When you’re sick, you shouldn’t push yourself.

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You should eat more vegetables.

、。

This movie is boring, so you shouldn’t watch it.

、。

That road is dangerous, so you shouldn’t go alone.

、。

If you want to improve your Japanese, you should practice every day.

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It looks like it’s going to rain, so you should take an umbrella.

、。

You should consult a doctor before taking this medicine.

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If the room is cold, you should close the window.

、。

You shouldn’t be late because you have an important meeting.

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You shouldn’t eat too many sweets.

References

Best Thatimabi.org