
Is it better to do or not to do?
た方が良い (tahō ga ii
) is used to indicate some action that it would be better if you do (or not do in its negative form with ない: ない方が良い).
We can translate the form as you better do
and in the negative you better not do
.
た方が良い indicates an advice to another person or what it would be better / appropriate to do given the circumstances in which you find yourself.
This form is formed with:
- For the affirmative form: Plain verb in the affirmative past tense + hō (ほ う) ga (が) ii (良 い) desu (です)
- For the negative form: Negative Plain verb in the present tense + hō (ほ う) ga (が) ii (良 い) desu (です)
早く寝た方が良いです。
It is better to go to sleep early.
コーヒーを飲みすぎない方が良いです。
It is better not to overdo with coffee.
Colloquial form of た方が良い
In the confidential or colloquial form the verb です (desu) is often omitted and the exclamation particles typical of conversation are also used.
明日テストがありますので早く寝た方が良いよ!
Tomorrow you have the exam, better if you go to sleep early!
Excerpt from a blog online discussing professions to avoid for various reasons:
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