Grammar Info

N5 Lesson 9: 10/13

～た方(ほう)がいいIt'd be better to, Should do

Structure

Verb［た］+ 方(ほう) + が + いい

Details

  • Part of Speech

    Expression

  • Word Type

    Adjective

  • Register

    Standard

About たほうがいい

In Japanese, there are several ways to express that something 'should' be done. たほうがいい is one of the most common, especially when giving advice. This expression uses the past tense of a verb grouped with 方(ほう), the particle が, and the い-Adjective, いい.

As 方(ほう) can be translated closely to 'way', or 'direction', this expression is suggesting that one specific choice is simply the better 'way'.

This expression is quite direct, and can imply that there may be some sort of negative consequence if (A) is not done. In that respect, this phrase could also be translated as 'It would be better if you did (A)'.

たほうがいい may also be used with the base (dictionary) form of a verb, but will sound more like a general opinion in those cases, rather than giving advice.

Caution

Because this phrase is quite direct, it would be better to use a more polite expression like ばいい, if giving general advice.

Antonyms

Related

Examples

--:--

    お医者(いしゃ)さんに聞(き)いたほうがいい。

    It would be better to ask a doctor.

    帰(かえ)ったほうがいい。

    It'd be better to go home.

    朝(あさ)ごはんを食(た)べたほうがいい。

    It would be better to eat breakfast.

    自分(じぶん)の皿(さら)を洗(あら)ったほうがいい。

    It would be better to wash your own dishes.

    それは返(かえ)したほうがいいだろう。

    It would be better to return that, wouldn't it.

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