Expressing "must" with "dei"
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Level
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Similar to
- Wanting to do something with "yao" (A1)
- Expressing "should" with "yinggai" (A2)
- Expressing "would like to" with "xiang" (A2)
- Expressing "don't need to" with "buyong" (B1)
- Expressing "had better" with "zuihao" (B1)
- Declaring the only option with "zhihao" (B2)
- Expressing "have to" with "budebu" (B2)
- Adding emphasis with "fei....buke" (C1)
- Expressing “must" with "feidei" (C1)
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Used for
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Keywords
Learning how to use 得 to mean "must" must be done by those wishing to master Chinese!
Structure
Normally when you see 得 it's a particle and is pronounced "de". However, it can also be an auxiliary verb. In this case it's pronounced děi and means "must".
Subject + 得 + Verb + Object
Examples
- 我 得 回 家 了。I have to go home.
- 他 得 看病。He needs to go see a doctor.
- 你 得 走了。You need to go.
See also
Sources and further reading
Videos
- Yoyo Chinese: "Have to and Don't have to"
Books
- Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 164-5) →buy
