【JLPT N1 Grammar Point 9】
One feature of N1-level Japanese is the ability to express intent or purpose in a highly formal or literary way. Today’s structure, ～べく, is an elegant and compact alternative to ～ために and is used for writing or public speaking.
🌟 ～べく
Meaning:
- In order to…
- For the purpose of…
- To achieve (a goal)
🔧 Grammar Structure
Verb (dictionary form) + べく + [action]
▶ Exception: する → するべく or すべく
📌 This is used when two actions are done by the same subject:
→ The first is the purpose, the second is the action taken toward it.
✅ Example Sentences
1. 合格するべく、毎日10時間勉強している。
(In order to pass the exam, I study 10 hours every day.)
▶ Purpose-driven and formal tone.
2. 真実を明らかにするべく、記者たちは調査を始めた。
(To uncover the truth, the reporters began their investigation.)
▶ Frequently used in journalistic language.
3. 世界市場に進出するべく、新たな戦略が立てられた。
(To enter the global market, a new strategy was developed.)
▶ Used in business, economics, or planning contexts.
4. 国民の信頼を取り戻すべく、首相は改革を約束した。
(In order to regain public trust, the Prime Minister promised reform.)
▶ Common in political speeches or formal news.
🧠 Nuance and Usage
| Grammar | Register | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ～べく | Formal/literary | Objective or goal |
| ～ために | Standard | Neutral purpose |
| ～ように | Standard | Often used with potential verbs or indirect goals |
✅ ～べく is used in writing, especially when showing strong intention or clear strategy.
⚠️ Usage Notes
- Don’t use with daily, casual topics like:
❌ 食べるべくコンビニに行った。
✅ 食べるためにコンビニに行った。 - Cannot be used with adjectives or non-action-related nouns.
- The subject of both actions must be the same.
📚 Common Verbs Used Before ～べく
| Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 学ぶ | To study/learn |
| 解明する | To clarify |
| 改善する | To improve |
| 得る | To obtain |
| 立てる (計画を) | To make (a plan) |
| 記録する | To record |
✍️ Practice Challenge
Translate the following into Japanese using ～べく:
- To improve customer satisfaction, the company changed its policy.
- In order to prevent accidents, safety measures were introduced.
- She worked hard every day to win the competition.
- To gain experience, I applied for the internship.
🧠 (Answers below!)
✨ Real-World Usage
This is the perfect grammar for:
- Formal essays or reports
- Business strategy documents
- Political speeches
- Academic presentations
You’ll often see it in sentences like:
問題を解決するべく、関係者が協議を行った。
(In order to solve the issue, stakeholders held discussions.)
🏁 Summary
| Grammar Point | ～べく |
|---|---|
| Meaning | In order to / for the purpose of |
| Form | Verb (dictionary form) + べく※する → すべく / するべく |
| Use | Formal, written, same subject |
| Common Contexts | Business, news, politics, academia |
✅ Practice Answers
- 顧客満足度を向上させるべく、会社は方針を変更した。
- 事故を防ぐべく、安全対策が導入された。
- 大会に勝つべく、彼女は毎日努力した。
- 経験を積むべく、インターンシップに応募した。
📘 Coming Next: ～ところを – A grammar point that softens a request or highlights a situation with nuance and politeness.
