надо было сразу

should have ... right away

→ надо

phrase Rare #36,713

should have ... right away Used with an infinitive to say that someone should have done something immediately, often expressing regret or criticism. Надо было is impersonal and literally means “it was necessary.”

RU: Надо было сразу записать адрес.

EN: You should have written down the address right away.

Надо было сразу сказать.

You should have said so right away.

— Воспоминания об убийстве (2003)

Надо было сразу предложить тебе спать на кровати.

I should have offered you the bed right away.

— Малхолланд Драйв (2001)

Надо было сразу пользоваться этим шансом.

We should have taken this opportunity right away.

— Малена (2000)