When translating the sentence ‘彼女は悲しんでいるはずだ’ into English, two options are commonly considered: ‘She must be sad’ and ‘She should be sad’. While both translations seem valid, there are subtle differences in nuance that make ‘should’ the more appropriate choice in this context. This article will explore the reasons behind this choice and explain the distinction between ‘must’ and ‘should’.
The Meaning of ‘Must’ and ‘Should’
In English, both ‘must’ and ‘should’ are modal verbs that express necessity, probability, or expectation, but they differ in terms of their strength and implication. ‘Must’ indicates a strong degree of certainty or obligation, while ‘should’ is more flexible and often used for suggestions, recommendations, or expectations.
Why ‘Should’ is Preferred in This Case
The sentence ‘彼女は悲しんでいるはずだ’ expresses an expectation, not a certainty. In this case, the speaker is making a judgment about the likelihood that the person is sad based on the situation. ‘Should’ is commonly used in English to express this type of expectation, which is why ‘She should be sad’ is the more natural translation.
On the other hand, ‘must’ implies a stronger certainty, like ‘She must be sad’ would suggest that it is almost certain, leaving little room for doubt. This would not align as well with the nuance of the original Japanese sentence.
Understanding the Difference in Nuance
To clarify the difference, consider the following examples:
- ‘She must be sad’ would be used when the speaker is certain, possibly because of obvious signs or reasoning.
- ‘She should be sad’ is more appropriate when the speaker is making an assumption based on the situation, without asserting it as a definite fact.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Modal Verb
While both ‘must’ and ‘should’ may seem similar, understanding their nuanced differences helps in selecting the appropriate verb. In the case of ‘彼女は悲しんでいるはずだ’, the more natural and accurate translation is ‘She should be sad’, as it conveys an expectation rather than a certainty. By keeping in mind the context and the strength of the speaker’s belief, we can make more precise choices in English.
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