Definition
本该 is a modal adverb meaning 'should have' or 'ought to have', but it specifically implies that the expected action did not happen in the past. It carries a tone of regret, missed obligation, or mild reproach. You use it when something was supposed to be done but wasn't, and you are commenting on that gap. It often pairs with 的 at the end of the sentence to reinforce the past counterfactual sense.
adv.
should have (done something)ought to have (with the nuance that it didn't happen)
Examples
- 本该。Nǐ běn gāi zǎo yì diǎn gàosu wǒ.You should have told me earlier.
- 本该。Tā běn gāi lái cānjiā huìyì de.He should have come to the meeting.
- 本该。Wǒmen běn gāi gèng xiǎoxīn yì diǎn de.We should have been more careful.
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