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."
Subj. + 得 + Verb + Obj.
Examples
- 我们 得 走 了 。We have to leave.
- 时间 不 早 了，我 得 回家 了。It's getting late. I have to go home.
- 这个 方法 不行，你 得 想 个 别的 方法。This way doesn't work. You need to think of another way.
- 在 学校 就 得 听 老师 的 话 。You have to listen to the teacher at school.
- 我 的 钥匙 丢 了，得 找 人 开 锁 。I lost my keys. I have to find someone to pick the lock.
- 明天 去 面试 ，你 得 穿 得 正式 一点 。You have to wear something more formal for tomorrow's job interview.
- 你 病 得 太 厉害 了，得去 看 医生。You are badly ill. You need to go see a doctor.
See also
- "Would like to" with xiang
- Wanting to do something with yao
- Auxiliary verb
- Auxiliary verb "hui" for "will"
Sources and further reading
Videos
- Yoyo Chinese: "Have to and Don't have to"
