べき/ べきではない (beki beki dewa nai): Should or should not
～べき/ べきではない (beki beki dewa nai)
Meaning
Should; ought to; should not
Formation and usage
Dictionary-form verb + べきだ/べきではない. する can become するべき or すべき. Before a noun: verb + べき + noun.
Explanation
State what should or should not be done according to a norm, responsibility, or the speaker's judgment. It is a fairly strong recommendation and may sound imposing toward a superior. Beki dewa nai means should not, not need not.
Examples
分からないことは、早めに質問すべきです。
You should ask about things you do not understand early on.
約束したことは守るべきです。
You should keep your promises.
人の失敗を笑うべきではありません。
You should not laugh at other people's mistakes.
この件は、まず本人に確認するべきです。
This matter should first be checked with the person concerned.
今やるべき仕事を、先に終わらせましょう。
Let us finish the work that ought to be done now first.
How related patterns differ
に限る can recommend the best option or state a restriction. せいぜい marks an estimated upper limit. べき concerns what should be done, よりほかない means no alternative remains, and わけにはいかない concerns duties or principles.