нам следовало

we should have

→ мы

phrase Rare #48,176

we should have Used with an infinitive to express that it would have been better or more appropriate for us to do something. Нам literally means “to us,” and следовало is an impersonal past-tense form.

RU: Нам следовало проверить документы заранее.

EN: We should have checked the documents in advance.

Нам следовало быть осторожными.

We should have been careful.

— Двойная страховка (1944)

Нам следовало прислушаться к его совету.

We should have listened to his advice.

Нам следовало оставаться дома.

We should have stayed home.

Нам следовало сказать ему правду.

We should have told him the truth.