べくして
🃏 Flashcard
べくして
beku shite
Tap to reveal usage
as it is bound to (happen)
N1
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📊 Pattern Stats
JLPT Level
N1
Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms
Reading
beku shite
Post ID
51200
Patterns today
0
0 / 10 daily goal
📝 Usage Notes
as it is bound to (happen)
📖 How to use it
Describes an event that was bound to happen given the circumstances, often with a sense of inevitability or fate.
Attaches to
Attach to the dictionary (plain) form of a verb, typically a verb of happening or doing, e.g., 起きる, なる, 出会う. For する verbs, use the stem + する, e.g., 失敗する -> 失敗すべくして.
This pattern expresses that something happened as it was destined to, often implying that the outcome was predictable or unavoidable. It is used in formal or written Japanese, especially in narratives, news, or analytical contexts. The nuance is that the event was not a coincidence but a natural consequence of prior conditions or inherent qualities. For example, '彼は成功すべくして成功した' means his success was inevitable given his efforts and talent. The pattern is often used with verbs like 起きる, なる, 出会う, and also with する-verbs. It is not used in casual conversation; it sounds literary or dramatic.
事故は、この道路の危険さを考えれば、起きるべくして起きた。
Jiko wa, kono dōro no kiken-sa o kangaereba, okiru beku shite okita.
Given how dangerous this road is, the accident was bound to happen.
彼女は努力を重ねてきたので、成功すべくして成功したのだ。
Kanojo wa doryoku o kasanete kita node, seikō subeku shite seikō shita no da.
Because she had kept working hard, her success was inevitable.
二人は運命的に出会うべくして出会った。
Futari wa unmeiteki ni deau beku shite deatta.
The two met as if it were destined.
Not ～べく (in order to)
～べく means 'in order to' and is followed by a purpose, while ～べくして is followed by the same verb that happened, indicating inevitability. Compare: '成功すべく努力する' (strive in order to succeed) vs '成功すべくして成功した' (succeeded as was bound to).
Register
Formal and literary; used in writing, news reporting, or formal speech, not in casual conversation.
🎯 Quick Quiz
What does this grammar pattern mean or do?
べくして
📚 How to Master This Pattern
Say It Aloud
Press Hear it and repeat べくして three times. Feel the rhythm — grammar patterns have a natural flow.
Flip Before Reading
Always try to recall the usage before flipping the card. Struggle = learning. Every failed recall makes the next one stick harder.
Write Two Sentences
Compose two original sentences using べくして. One about yourself, one about something you see right now.
Spaced Review
Save this pattern and revisit at 10 min, 1 day, 3 days. Production (writing) beats recognition for grammar.
🔗 More JLPT N1 Patterns
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does the grammar pattern べくして mean?
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As it is bound to (happen)
What JLPT level is べくして?
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Nihoner currently groups this pattern under JLPT N1 — Advanced · Literary, rhetorical & rare forms. Use the level label as study guidance rather than a prediction of what will appear on an exam.
How do you use べくして in a sentence?
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Attach べくして (beku shite) to the appropriate verb or noun form as described in the usage notes. Then try writing two original sentences — one about yourself and one about something around you.
Is べくして formal or casual Japanese?
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べくして is used in formal or written contexts. You will see it mainly in written texts, news, business Japanese and academic contexts.
How can I remember べくして long-term?
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Use the flashcard on this page for active recall — see the pattern, reconstruct the usage from memory, then flip. Follow with the 4-choice quiz to distinguish it from similar patterns. Review later the same day and again over the following days. Writing original sentences can help you practise using the pattern in context.