Korean grammar patterns › Level 4
-았/었어야 했다
should have done (but didn't); had to
Level 4 · TOPIK II · intermediate
How to use it
Expresses regret or criticism about something that wasn't done in the past, about yourself or others. It can also simply mean 'had to' (the past of -아/어야 하다).
Forming it
| 하다 | → 했어야 했어요 |
| 오다 | → 왔어야 했어요 |
| 먹다 | → 먹었어야 했어요 |
Often followed by -는데 to show regret: 했어야 했는데.
Examples
시험 전에 더 열심히 공부했어야 했어요.
I should have studied harder before the exam.
그때 솔직하게 말했어야 했는데 후회돼요.
I should have been honest back then; I regret it.
Compared with similar patterns
-(으)ㄹ걸 그랬다 (G4-028) is softer, mostly for your own small regrets. -아/어야 하다 (G1-033) is present or future obligation.