べく

• Reading: べく
• Romaji: beku
• Formation: Verb dictionary form + べく + Main clause

Meaning

A conjunctive form of the auxiliary べし meaning 'in order to' or 'with the aim of,' used to express purpose or intent. It connects a purpose clause to the main action being taken.

べく is the conjunctive (連用形) of the classical auxiliary べし (should, ought to, must). In modern Japanese, it functions primarily as a purpose expression, similar to ために but with a more literary and determined tone. It implies that the action in the main clause was deliberately undertaken to achieve the stated goal. べく is common in formal writing, news articles, business communications, and speeches. Compared to ために, which is neutral, べく adds a sense of resolve and formality. It follows the dictionary form of verbs, with する often becoming すべく. It does not attach to adjectives or nouns.

Examples

1. 問題を解決すべく、緊急会議が招集された。 An emergency meeting was convened in order to resolve the problem.
2. 新たな市場を開拓すべく、海外視察に出発した。 He departed on an overseas inspection tour with the aim of developing new markets.
3. 事態の収拾を図るべく、双方の代表が協議に臨んだ。 Representatives from both sides entered negotiations in order to bring the situation under control.

Usage Guide

Context: written, news, business

Tone: purposeful

Do Say

• 被害を最小限に抑えるべく、避難指示が発令された。
• 研究成果を社会に還元すべく、公開講座を開設した。
• 国際競争力を高めるべく、政府は規制緩和に着手した。

Don't Say

• コンビニに行くべく、靴を履いた。(Using べく for a trivial everyday action — too formal) → コンビニに行くために、靴を履いた。
• 昼ご飯を食べるべく、食堂に向かった。(Using べく for a mundane routine — register mismatch) → 昼ご飯を食べに食堂に向かった。

Origin & History

べく is the continuative form of the classical auxiliary べし, which expressed obligation, appropriateness, or intention. In modern usage, it has narrowed to primarily express purpose, preserving the formal and literary register of its classical origin.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal