ばよかった (ba yokatta) is a grammar pattern used to express regrets or wishes about the past. It indicates that something should have been done or should have happened. It is often translated as 'should have' or 'wish I had'.
なければならない (nakereba naranai) - (N4) - ばよかった (ba yokatta) is used to express regrets about the past, while なければならない (nakereba naranai) is used to express necessity or obligation in the present or future.
ておく (te oku) - (N4) - ばよかった (ba yokatta) expresses regrets about the past, while ておく (te oku) is used to describe actions done in advance for future convenience or preparation.
ばいい (ba ii) - (N5 - N4) - Both ばよかった (ba yokatta) and ばいい (ba ii) express suggestions or recommendations. However, ばよかった (ba yokatta) specifically indicates regret about the past, while ばいい (ba ii) is more general and can refer to the present or future.
たばかり (ta bakari) - (N5) - While both ばよかった (ba yokatta) and たばかり (ta bakari) refer to the past, ばよかった (ba yokatta) expresses regret or a missed opportunity, while たばかり (ta bakari) indicates that an action has just been completed or happened.
Useful Vocabulary that appeared in this page
* もっと (もっと)more
* 早く (はやく)earlier
* 家 (いえ)home
* 出る (でる)to leave
* 彼 (かれ)he
* 結婚 (けっこん)marriage
* 勉強 (べんきょう)study
* 思う (おもう)to think
* もっと (もっと)more
* 注意 (ちゅうい)attention
* 聞く (きく)to listen
Quiz
Which of the following means 'I should have listened more carefully'?
