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〜べし

should, must (classical, sentence-final)

Verb dictionary form + べし (する → すべし)

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べし is the classical ancestor of べき (N3), used at the end of a sentence for strong advice, orders or rules: 時間を厳守すべし, "punctuality is a must".

It follows the dictionary form, and with する it's usually すべし. You'll see it in rules, slogans, old sayings, school mottos and playful internet writing: この映画は必ず見るべし, "this film is a must-see".

恐るべし ("fear it!", from classical 恐る) is a popular exclamation of awe: 恐るべし、日本の夏, "the Japanese summer is terrifying!".

The negative is べからず (N1). Remember that べき comes before a noun or だ, while べし ends the sentence.

Examples

  • 学生がくせいはよく学まなび、よく遊あそぶべし。

    Students should study hard and play hard.

  • 時間じかんを厳守げんしゅすべし。

    Punctuality is a must.

  • 明日あしたは八時はちじに集合しゅうごうすべし。

    Assemble at eight tomorrow.

  • 恐おそるべし、日本にほんの夏なつ。

    The Japanese summer is terrifying!

  • この映画えいがは必かならず見みるべし。

    This film is a must-see.

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