Modal Verbs
应该 vs 必须
should vs must — advice vs obligation
Comparison / 对比
| 应该 yīnggāi | 必须 bìxū | |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Should (advice) | Must (no choice) |
| Negative | 不应该 = shouldn't | 不必/不用 = don't need to |
| Probability | 他应该到了 = probably arrived | No probability use |
| Tone | Advisory | Mandatory |
Examples / 例句
应该: 你应该多运动，对身体好。
You should exercise more.
必须: 考试时必须关掉手机。
You must turn off your phone during exams.
Quick rule: 应该 = should (advice, can decline). 必须 = must (rule). Also: 应该 means probably (他应该到家了), 必须 never does.
Fill in the Blank / 填空练习
Type the correct word to complete each sentence. Press Enter or click Check.
你早点休息，明天还要上班。
18岁以下有家长陪同才能进入。
现在九点了，他快到了。
Quick Quiz / 小测验
你早点休息。
Friendly advice → 应该.
18岁以下有家长陪同。
Mandatory rule → 必须.
现在九点了，他快到了。
Estimation (probably) → 应该.