～ほうがいい

had better, it’s better to, should

Structure

Verb[ta-form] + ほうがいい

Verb[negative] + ほうがいい

Description

The grammar structure ～ほうがいい is used to give advice or suggest what someone should or had better do. It can also suggest what someone should not do in the case of negative advice. It implies that following the advice will lead to a better outcome.

Giving Positive Advice: Use the ta-form of the verb to express that doing something is better.
はやく早くねた寝たほうがいいです。
You should go to bed early.
Giving Negative Advice: Use the plain negative form of the verb to express that not doing something is better.
おさけお酒をのまない飲まないほうがいいです。
You shouldn’t drink alcohol.

Examples

、。

It’s hot, so you should drink water.

なら、。

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.

。

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.

なら、。

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

、。

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

、。

You shouldn’t drink alcohol when driving.

、。

You should consult a doctor before taking this medicine.

なら、。

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

、。

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

。

You shouldn’t eat too many sweets.