Had better Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæd/ /ˈbɛtɝ
HAD-BET-er
hˈæd/ /bˈɛtɐ
had-BET-uh
Definition
Used to say that something is a good idea or the best action in a situation, often as a warning or advice.
Usage & Nuances
'Had better' is informal but strong advice, often about immediate actions and possible negative consequences if ignored. It is always followed by the base form of the verb ('had better go'). Not used for past events. Don't confuse with 'should', which is softer.
Spanish: sería mejor que - más vale quePortuguese (BR): é melhor - seria melhorPortuguese (PT): é melhor - seria melhorChinese (Simplified): 最好Chinese (Traditional): 最好Hindi: बेहतर होगा किArabic: من الأفضل أنBengali: ভাল হবে - করা উচিত (অনুরোধ, উপদেশ)Russian: лучше бы - следует (в совете)Japanese: 〜したほうがいいVietnamese: nên - tốt hơn nênKorean: ~하는 게 좋다 - ~하는 것이 낫다Turkish: -se iyi olur - daha iyi olurUrdu: بہتر ہوگا - مناسب ہوگاIndonesian: nên - tốt hơn nên
Example Sentences
You had better call your mom now.
basic
It had better not rain tomorrow.
basic
We had better leave now or we'll be late.
basic
You had better not tell anyone about this.
natural
If you want to catch the train, you had better hurry up.
natural
She looks sick—you had better check on her.
natural