Mini-Dialogue: Permission & Obligation
A practical review of expressing obligation, duty, and plans through a natural workplace dialogue.
Office Deadline
You are at the office working on a project with your colleague, Sato-san. You need to decide what tasks must be finished before leaving for the day.
Grammar Recap
Here is a quick look at the structures used to express obligation and intent.
- なければなりません: Used for objective necessity or rules.
- べきです: Used for moral duty or what is 'right' to do.
- つもりです: Used to express your personal intention or plan.
Tip
Dialogue: The Final Push
Listen to the conversation between Tanaka and Sato.
さとうさん、きょうのれぽーとはださなければなりませんか。
佐藤さん、今日のレポートは出さなければなりませんか。
Sato-san, must we submit today's report?
はい。きょうじゅうにおわらせるべきです。
はい。今日中に終わらせるべきです。
Yes. We should finish it by the end of the day.
わかりました。あといちじかんでおわらせるつもりです。
わかりました。あと一時間で終わらせるつもりです。
Understood. I intend to finish it in one hour.
レポートを【かく】べきです。
Hint: Dictionary form of 'to write'
I should write the report.
Nuance & Register
Understanding the weight of these expressions.
Obligation vs Intention
〜なければならない
External pressure/rule
勉強しなければならない
〜つもり
Internal plan/will
勉強するつもり
Which form sounds more like a personal plan rather than a strict rule?
- 〜なければなりません
- ✓ 〜つもりです
つもりです expresses your personal intention, whereas なければなりません expresses a requirement or obligation.
Advanced Notes
A few edge cases for your reference.
Negative Intentions
Lesson Summary
Mastering these three forms allows you to navigate workplace expectations and personal planning with clarity.