〜たほうがいい
had better ~
Suggest the choice that seems better in this situation.
Remember it
Point to the better path with 〜たほうがいい.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜たほうがいい」 means "had better ~". Structure: Verb ta-form + ほうがいい. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Use it with care: strong advice can sound like pressure without a soft tone.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
Everyday life
Example 1修理を見直したほうがいいです。
しゅうり を みなおした ほう が いい です。
shuuri o minaoshita hou ga ii desu.
You had better review the repair.
At work
Example 2資料を見直したほうがいいです。
しりょう を みなおした ほう が いい です。
shiryou o minaoshita hou ga ii desu.
You had better review the materials.
Everyday life
Example 3機械を見直したほうがいいです。
きかい を みなおした ほう が いい です。
kikai o minaoshita hou ga ii desu.
You had better review the machine.
Everyday life
Example 4材料を見直したほうがいいです。
ざいりょう を みなおした ほう が いい です。
zairyou o minaoshita hou ga ii desu.
You had better review the ingredients.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 4
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
You had better review the repair.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜たほうがいい.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.