Chinese word

应

Pronunciation

Pinyinyīng

Meaning

  • auxiliary verbshould

Example

你应参加会议。nǐ yīng cān jiā huì yì

You should attend the meeting.

Illustration for 应 (should)

More examples

学生应按时完成作业。xué shēng yīng àn shí wán chéng zuò yè

Students should complete their homework on time.

Core concept

Marks an action as the proper course required by the circumstances.

Common phrases

  • 应该yīng gāi

    should

  • 不应bù yīng

    should not

  • 理应lǐ yīng

    should by rights

Similar words

应该yīng gāi: Shows that an action is advisable or appropriate in everyday speech and writing.
要yào: Expresses a practical need or requirement to do something, often in spoken language.
该gāi: Shows that an action is fitting or due under the circumstances.
必须bì xū: States that an action is strictly required and cannot be left undone.

Definition in Chinese

作为助动词，用以判断在道德、法律或具体情境下某一行为是否合适或需要做，相当于“应该”，在书面和正式语境常见。zuò wéi zhù dòng cí yòng yǐ pàn duàn zài dào dé fǎ lǜ huò jù tǐ qíng jìng xià mǒu yì xíng wèi shì fǒu hé shì huò xū yào zuò xiāng dāng yú yīng gāi zài shū miàn hé zhèng shì yǔ jìng cháng jiàn

Word origin

应 (yīng, "should") connects the older idea of an appropriate response with the later function of marking what ought to be done.

Usage tips

  • In speech, this short form can sound more formal than expected, while written notices and workplace language use it naturally for stated duties or expectations.

Opposites

  • 不必bú bìneed notauxiliary verb
  • 无需wú xūneed notauxiliary verb

Related words

Word lists with this word