〜べく (beku)

JLPT N1 So as to ~ — a formal statement of purpose.

Meaning

“In order to ~ / so as to ~.” A written, formal purpose.

Formation

Verb (dictionary) + べく（する → すべく / するべく）

Examples

世界で通用する選手になるべく、彼は毎日練習している。

Sekai de tsūyō suru senshu ni naru beku, kare wa mainichi renshū shite iru. — In order to become a world-class player, he trains every day.

問題を解決すべく、専門家が集まった。

Mondai o kaiketsu su beku, senmonka ga atsumatta. — Experts gathered in order to solve the problem.

真実を明らかにするべく、調査が始まった。

Shinjitsu o akiraka ni suru beku, chōsa ga hajimatta. — An investigation began so as to bring the truth to light.

How it works

It expresses purpose in a stiff, literary register — think reports, news, and formal writing. In speech you'd use 〜ために.

The subject acts deliberately toward a goal; it doesn't take a negative (for that, use 〜まいと / 〜ないように).

Compared with similar expressions

• 〜べく — “in order to,” formal/written purpose

• 〜ために — “in order to,” everyday purpose

• 〜ように — “so that,” purpose with non-volitional verbs

Common mistakes

• する becomes すべく (or するべく): 実現すべく.

• Don't use it in casual conversation — it sounds bookish; use ために.

Related grammar

• 〜ために — in order to

• 〜ように — so that

• 〜べきだ — should ~