ばよかった (Should have)
Should have, I wish, It would have been better to
JLPT N4
Pattern
Verb (ば-form) + よかった
How it works
ばよかった expresses regret: “I should have ~ / I wish I had”. With ない-form, なければよかった means “I wish I hadn't”.
Examples
- もっと 勉強すれば よかった。I should have studied more.
- あんな こと、言わなければ よかった。I wish I hadn't said that.
Related grammar
- といわれているIt is said that, Is known as
- とされているTo be considered, To be deemed, Be regarded as, Be accepted as, To be said, To be accredited with
- とかんがえられているIs considered, Is thought of as
- たらどうWhy don't you...?, What if you did...?
- それでもBut still, And yet, Even so, Nevertheless
- Question-phrase + かIncluding questions within sentences
Further reading
Bunpro N4 · Lesson 10Put your practice together
Work through a complete paper at your own pace or choose a timed mock exam. No account is needed to begin.