Expressing “must" with "feidei"

非得 (fēiděi) can be translated as "must" or "have to". Usually it appears in the grammar structure 非得...不可/不行/不成, which expresses something is supposed to be a certain way and not change, or that something will certainly happen.

Many of you are probably familiar with the grammar structure 非...不可, which is the simplified form of this structure.

Structure

In this grammar structure, we are saying that the action must be done. Usually there is a phrase to set up the context, and then what must be done.

Statement, + 非得 + Action + 不可/不行/不成

Examples

  • 现在 是 紧急 情况,医生 非得 马上 开 刀 不可This is an emergency. The doctor must start surgery right away.
  • 要是 你 想要 当作 很好 的 管理员,你 非得 耐心 不成If you want to be considered a good manager, you have to be patient!
  • 在 中国 传统 的 孝敬 文化 上,子女 非得 服从 长辈 不可On the topic of China's cultural respect to parents, children must obey their elders.

Use on its own

非得 can also be used in short statements on its own.

Example

  • 时间 到 了,我 非得 走。

Sources and further readings

Books

HSK6