〜てしかるべき

Meaning

This grammar pattern expresses that something "is only natural to do" or "is the appropriate thing to do." It is used when making assertions or expressing opinions about what should happen in reality. It has a somewhat formal tone and is often used in official or serious contexts.

Formation

Examples

1. 君の勝手な行動でみんなに迷惑をかけたのだから、謝罪してしかるべきだ。
   Since your selfish behavior caused trouble for everyone, you ought to apologize.

2. 日本でこの機器を扱っているのはA社以外にないのだから、多額の使用料を払ってでも依頼してしかるべきだと思う。
   Since Company A is the only one handling this equipment in Japan, I think we should commission them even if it means paying a substantial usage fee.

3. 予算の不正使用で、市長が責任をとって辞任するのはわかるが、だまって辞めるのは納得できない。市民に説明をしてしかるべきだろう。
   I understand that the mayor is taking responsibility and resigning over the misuse of the budget, but I cannot accept him leaving quietly. He should explain himself to the citizens.

Summary

• 「〜てしかるべき」means "should" or "it is only proper to"
• Attaches to the て-form of verbs
• This is an N1-level grammar pattern used in formal contexts