GrammarN12 min read2026-02-17

〜べく

Expresses the purpose of an action, equivalent to 「〜ために」. Formal written expression.

Meaning

「べく」 is used to express "in order to make something possible or to realize it." It appears mid-sentence to indicate purpose, equivalent to 「…ために」. This is a formal written expression.

The formation is verb dictionary form + べく. For the verb 「する」, the form is 「すべく」.

Formation

Part of speechFormation
Verb (dictionary form)べく
するすべく

Examples

  1. 本日は、有権者のみなさまの声にお応えするべく、上野駅にやって参りました。
    Today, in order to respond to the voices of voters, I have come to Ueno Station.

  2. コンテストで入賞するべく、毎日遅くまで合唱の練習をしている。
    In order to win a prize in the contest, I practice chorus singing late every day.

  3. この辺は、空き巣被害が増加しているので、地域住民の安全を守るべく、地域の防犯パトロールを強化しています。
    Since burglary cases have been increasing in this area, community security patrols have been strengthened to protect residents' safety.

Summary

  • 「〜べく」 expresses purpose, equivalent to 「〜ために」 but more formal
  • Verb dictionary form + べく; 「する」→「すべく」
  • Commonly seen in speeches, reports, and other formal settings

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