Chinese word

须

Pronunciation

Pinyinxū

Meaning

  • auxiliary verbmust

Example

你须遵守规则。nǐ xū zūn shǒu guī zé

You must follow the rules.

Illustration for 须 (must)

More examples

文件须经批准方可公布。wén jiàn xū jīng pī zhǔn fāng kě gōng bù

The document can be published only after it is approved.

Core concept

A formal gate before an action: once it stands there, the action is required.

Common phrases

  • 须遵守规则xū zūn shǒu guī zé

    must obey the rules

  • 须经批准xū jīng pī zhǔn

    must receive approval

  • 须提供身份证明xū tí gōng shēn fèn zhèng míng

    must provide proof of identity

Similar words

必须bì xū: Marks an action as strictly required by a contract or rule.
应当yīng dāng: Marks an action as required in official or formal situations.
得dé: Marks an action as necessary in spoken language.

Definition in Chinese

作为助动词，表示应当、必须做某事，常与动词构成“须＋动词”的短语，偏正式书面。zuò wéi zhù dòng cí biǎo shì yīng dāng bì xū zuò mǒu shì cháng yǔ dòng cí gòu chéng xū dòng cí de duán yǔ piān zhèng shì shū miàn

Word origin

须 (xū, "must") preserves an older association with what is necessary, and that meaning developed into its formal auxiliary use before an action.

Usage tips

  • In notices, rules, and official instructions, this word often signals formal written Chinese rather than casual conversation.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word