A1 Modal Verbs 14 min read Easy

Chinese Modal Verbs: How to say 'Should' (应该 yīnggāi)

Use 应该 (yīnggāi) before a verb to offer advice or predict a likely outcome politely.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use {应该|yīnggāi} before a verb to express obligation or advice, just like the English word 'should'.

  • Place {应该|yīnggāi} before the main verb: {我|wǒ} {应该|yīnggāi} {学习|xuéxí}.
  • For negative, add {不|bù} before {应该|yīnggāi}: {你|nǐ} {不|bù} {应该|yīnggāi} {迟到|chídào}.
  • For questions, add {吗|ma} at the end: {我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {走|zǒu} {吗|ma}?
Subject + 应该 + Verb

Overview

In Chinese, the modal verb 应该 (yīnggāi) is the cornerstone for expressing advisability, obligation, and logical expectation. It's your direct equivalent for the English "should" or "ought to." Unlike a direct command, 应该 (yīnggāi) operates in the realm of judgment and reason. It allows you to suggest a course of action, state what is morally or socially correct, or infer a likely outcome based on a set of conditions.

Mastering its use is fundamental to moving beyond basic statements and into nuanced conversation, as it is central to giving advice, managing expectations, and expressing opinions.

The core function of 应该 (yīnggāi) is to evaluate an action or state against a certain standard—be it common sense, a moral code, or logical probability. For example, if a friend is sick, you might advise, 你应该去看医生 (nǐ yīnggāi qù kàn yīshēng), meaning "You should go see a doctor." This is a recommendation based on a logical assessment of the situation. Alternatively, if you're waiting for a train scheduled to arrive at 3 PM, at 3:05 PM you might say, 火车应该到了 (huǒchē yīnggāi dào le), or "The train should have arrived." Here, 应该 (yīnggāi) expresses a logical expectation, not a suggestion.

This dual utility in both social and logical contexts makes it one of the most versatile modal verbs in the language.

For a beginner at the A1 level, think of 应该 (yīnggāi) as a layer of meaning you add to a verb to show that it is the 'right' or 'expected' thing to do. The good news is that its structure is highly consistent and lacks the complex conjugations you find in many European languages. Its position in a sentence is fixed, and its form never changes, allowing you to quickly integrate it into your foundational grammar.

How This Grammar Works

As a modal verb (also known as an auxiliary verb), 应该 (yīnggāi) doesn't act as the main verb of a sentence. Instead, it modifies the main verb, adding a mood or attitude—in this case, of advisability or likelihood. The fundamental principle of Chinese sentence structure is that functional elements like modal verbs have a fixed position.
They always appear after the subject and directly before the main verb or verb phrase.
This rigid word order is a key feature of Chinese grammar. The structure is consistently: Subject + 应该 (yīnggāi) + Verb + (Object). This predictability is a significant advantage for learners.
Unlike in English, where you might have variations like "Should I...?", Chinese places the modal verb after the subject even in questions. For instance, the subject 我们 (wǒmen) 'we' comes first: 我们应该走吗？ (wǒmen yīnggāi zǒu ma?) — "Should we go?"
One of the most powerful and simplifying features of 应该 (yīnggāi)—and all Chinese modal verbs—is its invariance. The verb form is static. It does not change for tense, gender, or subject.
Whether the subject is 我 (wǒ) 'I', 你们 (nǐmen) 'you (plural)', or 那家公司 (nà jiā gōngsī) 'that company', the modal verb remains 应该 (yīnggāi). This removes the entire concept of conjugation from the equation.
To form a negative statement, you use the adverb 不 (bù). The negative marker is placed directly before the modal verb, resulting in 不应该 (bù yīnggāi). This follows the standard pattern for negating most stative verbs and modals in Chinese.
For example, 他今天不应该开车 (tā jīntiān bù yīnggāi kāichē) translates to "He should not drive today." It's crucial to remember that 没 (méi) is not used to negate 应该 (yīnggāi), as 没 (méi) is primarily used to negate past actions with 有 (yǒu) or main verbs.

Formation Pattern

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Constructing sentences with 应该 (yīnggāi) is methodical and follows a clear, repeatable pattern. Mastering this structure is essential for correct usage.
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1. Affirmative Sentences: "Should do something"
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The most basic structure is straightforward. The modal verb 应该 (yīnggāi) is placed between the sentence's subject and the action (verb phrase).
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Formula: Subject + 应该 (yīnggāi) + Verb Phrase
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| Subject | Modal Verb | Verb Phrase | Translation |
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| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
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| 我 (wǒ) | 应该 (yīnggāi) | 学习中文 (xuéxí zhōngwén) | I should study Chinese. |
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| 学生 (xuéshēng) | 应该 (yīnggāi) | 尊重老师 (zūnzhòng lǎoshī) | Students should respect teachers. |
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| 你 (nǐ) | 应该 (yīnggāi) | 现在出发 (xiànzài chūfā) | You should leave now. |
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2. Negative Sentences: "Should not do something"
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To express that an action is ill-advised or improper, insert 不 (bù) before 应该 (yīnggāi).
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Formula: Subject + 不应该 (bù yīnggāi) + Verb Phrase
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| Subject | Negative Modal Verb | Verb Phrase | Translation |
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| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
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| 我们 (wǒmen) | 不应该 (bù yīnggāi) | 浪费时间 (làngfèi shíjiān) | We should not waste time. |
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| 他 (tā) | 不应该 (bù yīnggāi) | 对父母说谎 (duì fùmǔ shuōhuǎng)| He shouldn't lie to his parents. |
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| 小孩 (xiǎohái) | 不应该 (bù yīnggāi) | 喝咖啡 (hē kāfēi) | Children should not drink coffee. |
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3. Interrogative Sentences (Questions)
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There are two primary methods for asking a "should" question.
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A. Using the 吗 (ma) particle: This is the simplest method. Form a standard affirmative sentence and add 吗 (ma) at the very end. This creates a yes/no question.
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Formula: Subject + 应该 (yīnggāi) + Verb Phrase + 吗 (ma)?
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我们应该告诉他真相吗？(wǒmen yīnggāi gàosù tā zhēnxiàng ma?) – Should we tell him the truth?
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我现在应该付款吗？(wǒ xiànzài yīnggāi fùkuǎn ma?) – Should I pay now?
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B. Using the A-not-A Form (正反问句 zhèngfǎn wènjù): This form is very common in spoken Chinese and presents an explicit choice: "should or should not?" You create it by juxtaposing the affirmative and negative forms of the modal verb.
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Formula: Subject + 应不应该 (yīng bù yīnggāi) + Verb Phrase?
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你应不应该申请那个工作？(nǐ yīng bù yīnggāi shēnqǐng nàge gōngzuò?) – Should you apply for that job or not?
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我们应不应该邀请他？(wǒmen yīng bù yīnggāi yāoqǐng tā?) – Should we invite him?
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4. The Informal Short Form: 该 (gāi)
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In everyday, informal conversation, 应该 (yīnggāi) is very often shortened to 该 (gāi). It carries the exact same meaning but feels more natural and less formal. It's especially common when expressing that "it's time for something to happen," often paired with the particle 了 (le).
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我该走了 (wǒ gāi zǒu le) – I should get going. (It's time for me to go.)
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你该睡觉了 (nǐ gāi shuì le) – You should go to sleep.
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我们不该在这里谈这个。(wǒmen bù gāi zài zhèlǐ tán zhège.) - We shouldn't talk about this here.

When To Use It

应该 (yīnggāi) is used across a spectrum of situations, from gentle suggestions to firm expectations. Understanding these contexts is key to using it effectively.
1. To Give Advice or Make a Suggestion
This is the most frequent use of 应该 (yīnggāi). You are recommending a course of action that you believe is sensible, beneficial, or correct. It's the language of friendly advice.
  • 天气预报说要下雨，你应该带伞。(Tiānqì yùbào shuō yào xiàyǔ, nǐ yīnggāi dài sǎn.) – The forecast says it will rain, you should bring an umbrella.
  • 这家餐厅的烤鸭很有名，你应该尝尝。(Zhè jiā cāntīng de kǎoyā hěn yǒumíng, nǐ yīnggāi chángchang.) – This restaurant's roast duck is famous, you should try it.
  • 如果你想提高中文水平，你应该多跟中国人聊天。(Rúguǒ nǐ xiǎng tígāo Zhōngwén shuǐpíng, nǐ yīnggāi duō gēn Zhōngguó rén liáotiān.) – If you want to improve your Chinese level, you should chat more with Chinese people.
2. To Express Social or Moral Obligation
This usage refers to what is considered right, proper, or expected according to societal norms, ethics, or rules. It's less forceful than 必须 (bìxū) 'must', but it carries a sense of duty.
  • 做人应该诚实，不应该骗人。(Zuòrén yīnggāi chéngshí, bù yīnggāi piàn rén.) – As a person, one should be honest and not deceive others.
  • 收到礼物以后，你应该说“谢谢”。(Shōudào lǐwù yǐhòu, nǐ yīnggāi shuō “xièxie”.) – After receiving a gift, you should say "thank you."
  • 我们应该保护环境。(Wǒmen yīnggāi bǎohù huánjìng.) – We should protect the environment.
3. To State a Logical Inference or Expectation
This second major function of 应该 (yīnggāi) is not about advice but about probability. You use it to state what you believe is likely to be true based on evidence or logic. It translates to "it should be the case that..." or "I expect that..."
  • 他坐了十几个小时的飞机，现在应该很累了。(Tā zuòle shí jǐ ge xiǎoshí de fēijī, xiànzài yīnggāi hěn lèi le.) – He was on a plane for over ten hours, he should be very tired now.
  • 你按这个地址找，应该能找到他家。(Nǐ àn zhège dìzhǐ zhǎo, yīnggāi néng zhǎodào tā jiā.) – If you follow this address, you should be able to find his home.
  • 会议是九点开始，现在才八点半，应该还来得及。(Huìyì shì jiǔ diǎn kāishǐ, xiànzài cái bā diǎn bàn, yīnggāi hái láidejí.) – The meeting starts at 9:00, it's only 8:30 now, we should still have enough time.
4. To Make a Mild Complaint or Criticism
The negative form, 不应该 (bù yīnggāi), is an excellent tool for expressing disapproval or criticism in a way that is less direct and confrontational than saying someone is wrong. You are criticizing the action, not the person directly.
  • 你真不应该对他那么没礼貌。(Nǐ zhēn bù yīnggāi duì tā nàme méi lǐmào.) – You really shouldn't have been so rude to him.
  • 餐厅不应该收我们这么多钱，菜单上不是这个价格。(Cāntīng bù yīnggāi shōu wǒmen zhème duō qián, càidān shàng búshì zhège jiàgé.) – The restaurant shouldn't charge us this much; this wasn't the price on the menu.

Common Mistakes

Learners often encounter a few predictable hurdles with 应该 (yīnggāi). Paying attention to these distinctions will significantly refine your accuracy.
1. Confusing 应该 (yīnggāi) with 必须 (bìxū)
This is the most common confusion. While both relate to obligation, their intensity is vastly different. 应该 (yīnggāi) is about advisability and implies a choice, whereas 必须 (bìxū) is about necessity and implies no choice.
| Feature | 应该 (yīnggāi) | 必须 (bìxū) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Meaning | Should, ought to (It's the right thing to do) | Must, have to (It's required) |
| Tone | Suggestion, recommendation, reasonable expectation | Command, strong obligation, rule |
| Choice | The listener can choose to ignore the advice. | The listener has no alternative. |
| Example (Advice) | 你生病了，应该休息。 (You're sick, you should rest.) - Correct | 你生病了，必须休息。 (You're sick, you must rest.) - Grammatical, but very forceful. |
| Example (Rule) | 我们应该十点前到机场。 (We should get to the airport by 10.) - A good plan. | 我们必须十点前到机场。 (We must get to the airport by 10.) - The flight rule requires it. |
2. Confusing 应该 (yīnggāi) with 会 (huì) for Predictions
Both can be used to talk about future possibilities, but their basis is different. 应该 (yīnggāi) implies a logical deduction based on present evidence. 会 (huì) implies a general future certainty or a natural occurrence.
  • 看这些乌云，下午应该会下雨。(Kàn zhèxiē wūyún, xiàwǔ yīnggāi huì xiàyǔ.) – Looking at these dark clouds, it should/will probably rain this afternoon. (The clouds are the evidence for my deduction. Note that they can be used together here, with 应该 adding a layer of inference to 会.)
  • 别担心，他很聪明，会通过考试的。(Bié dānxīn, tā hěn cōngmíng, huì tōngguò kǎoshì de.) – Don't worry, he's smart, he will pass the exam. (会 expresses confidence in a future outcome.)
  • 他研究了很久，应该知道答案。(Tā yánjiūle hěn jiǔ, yīnggāi zhīdào dá'àn.) – He researched for a long time, he should know the answer. (应该 is a logical inference based on his research.)
3. Incorrect Negation with 没 (méi)
Never use 没 (méi) to negate 应该 (yīnggāi). The only correct negative form is 不应该 (bù yīnggāi). Remember, 没 (méi) negates past actions or the existence of something (with 有).
  • Incorrect: 你没应该这么说。
  • Correct: 你不应该这么说。(Nǐ bù yīnggāi zhème shuō.) – You shouldn't say that.
4. Expressing Past Regret ("Should have...")
While you can use 不应该 (bù yīnggāi) to express regret for a past action (e.g., 我昨天不应该喝那么多酒 - "I shouldn't have drunk so much yesterday"), expressing "should have done X" (but didn't) often requires an additional word like 本来 (běnlái).
  • 我本来应该早点告诉你。(Wǒ běnlái yīnggāi zǎodiǎn gàosù nǐ.) – I should have told you earlier. (lit. "Originally, I should have told you earlier.")
  • 我们本来应该坐地铁，开车太堵了。(Wǒmen běnlái yīnggāi zuò dìtiě, kāichē tài dǔ le.) – We should have taken the subway; driving is too congested.

Real Conversations

Textbook examples are clean, but 应该 (yīnggāi) and 该 (gāi) are everywhere in real life. Here’s how you’ll see them used.

1. In Text Messages (WeChat/SMS)

Conversations are rapid, so the short form 该 (gāi) is extremely common.

A: 还在加班吗？快11点了！

(Háizài jiābān ma? Kuài 11 diǎn le!)

(Still working overtime? It's almost 11!)

B: 嗯，还有一个文件没处理完...

(Èn, háiyǒu yīgè wénjiàn méi chǔlǐ wán...)

(Yeah, still have one document to finish...)

A: 太拼了。你该休息了，明天再弄吧。

(Tài pīn le. Nǐ gāi xiūxī le, míngtiān zài nòng ba.)

(That's too much. You should rest, finish it tomorrow.)

2. At Work (Giving a professional opinion)

In a slightly more formal context, 应该 (yīnggāi) is used to state a professional judgment or suggest a strategy.

A: 这个项目计划，大家有什么想法？

(Zhège xiàngmù jìhuà, dàjiā yǒu shénme xiǎngfǎ?)

(Regarding this project plan, does anyone have any thoughts?)

B: 我认为我们应该先把核心功能开发出来，而不是一开始就追求完美。

(Wǒ rènwéi wǒmen yīnggāi xiān bǎ héxīn gōngnéng kāifā chūlái, ér búshì yī kāishǐ jiù zhuīqiú wánměi.)

(I think we should develop the core features first, instead of pursuing perfection from the very beginning.)

3. Making a Logical Guess

Here, 应该 is used to express probability in a casual conversation.

A: 小王怎么还没到？会议都快开始了。

(Xiǎo Wáng zěnme hái méi dào? Huìyì dōu kuài kāishǐ le.)

(How come Little Wang isn't here yet? The meeting is about to start.)

B: 他说他从总公司那边过来，路上有点堵。不过算算时间，现在应该快到了。

(Tā shuō tā cóng zǒnggōngsī nàbiān guòlái, lùshàng yǒudiǎn dǔ. Búguò suànsuan shíjiān, xiànzài yīnggāi kuài dào le.)

(He said he's coming from the head office, and there's some traffic. But calculating the time, he should be arriving soon.)

Quick FAQ

1. What's the real difference between 应该 (yīnggāi) and 该 (gāi)?
It's purely about formality and habit. 应该 (yīnggāi) is the full, formal form, suitable for writing and clear speech. 该 (gāi) is its common, informal abbreviation used constantly in spoken Mandarin. In casual conversation, using 该 (gāi) often sounds more natural.
2. How is 应该 (yīnggāi) different from 要 (yào)?
应该 (yīnggāi) is a suggestion based on reason. 要 (yào) can mean 'to want', but when used for obligation, it's more of a demand or a strong necessity, often from a position of authority (like a parent to a child) or as a statement of need. 你应该多穿衣服 (Nǐ yīnggāi duō chuān yīfu) is advice.
天冷，你要多穿衣服 (Tiān lěng, nǐ yào duō chuān yīfu) is a stronger, more caring directive: "It's cold, you need to wear more clothes."
3. Can I use 应该 (yīnggāi) to talk about the past?
Yes. It can refer to a past expectation (他昨天应该就到了 - "He should have arrived yesterday") or express regret for a past action (我昨天不应该那样说 - "I shouldn't have said that yesterday"). For the specific meaning of "should have done X (but didn't)," you often need to add 本来 (běnlái) for clarity.
4. Is 应该 (yīnggāi) a command?
No. It is fundamentally a verb of suggestion or logical assessment. A command is an order you must follow.
An 应该 statement is a piece of advice you can choose to accept or a conclusion you can agree or disagree with. For direct commands, you would use 必须 (bìxū) or an imperative sentence (e.g., 快走! (kuài zǒu!) - "Go now!").

Formation of 应该

Type Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + 应该 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {应该|yīnggāi} {走|zǒu}
Negative
Subj + 不应该 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {不|bù} {应该|yīnggāi} {走|zǒu}
Question
Subj + 应该 + Verb + 吗
{我|wǒ} {应该|yīnggāi} {走|zǒu} {吗|ma}?
Past (implied)
Subj + 应该 + Verb + 了
{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {到|dào} {了|le}
Advice
Subj + 应该 + 多/少 + Verb
{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {多|duō} {看|kàn} {书|shū}
Emphasis
Subj + 本应该 + Verb
{我|wǒ} {本|běn} {应该|yīnggāi} {去|qù}

Common Shortened Forms

Full Form Short Form Usage
应该
应
Formal/Written

Meanings

The modal verb {应该|yīnggāi} indicates moral obligation, logical expectation, or advice.

1

Advice

Giving a suggestion to someone.

“{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {早点|zǎodiǎn} {睡|shuì}.”

“{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {看|kàn} {医生|yīshēng}.”

2

Expectation

Something that is logically expected to happen.

“{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {快|kuài} {到|dào} {了|le}.”

“{这|zhè} {应该|yīnggāi} {很|hěn} {好|hǎo} {吃|chī}.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Chinese Modal Verbs: How to say 'Should' (应该 yīnggāi)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
S + 应该 + V
{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {休息|xiūxi}
Negative
S + 不应该 + V
{你|nǐ} {不|bù} {应该|yīnggāi} {休息|xiūxi}
Question
S + 应该 + V + 吗
{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {休息|xiūxi} {吗|ma}?
Expectation
S + 应该 + V + 了
{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {来|lái} {了|le}
Advice
S + 应该 + 多 + V
{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {多|duō} {吃|chī} {菜|cài}
Regret
S + 本应该 + V
{我|wǒ} {本|běn} {应该|yīnggāi} {早|zǎo} {点|diǎn} {走|zǒu}

Formality Spectrum

Formal
您应该用餐。

您应该用餐。 (Eating)

Neutral
你应该吃饭。

你应该吃饭。 (Eating)

Informal
你该吃饭了。

你该吃饭了。 (Eating)

Slang
该吃了。

该吃了。 (Eating)

Usage of 应该

应该

Advice

  • 建议 Suggestion

Expectation

  • 推测 Deduction

Obligation

  • 责任 Duty

应该 vs 要

应该 (Should)
建议 Advice
要 (Must/Want)
命令 Command
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Examples by Level

1

{我|wǒ} {应该|yīnggāi} {睡觉|shuìjiào}.

I should sleep.

2

{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {喝|hē} {水|shuǐ}.

You should drink water.

3

{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {去|qù} {学校|xuéxiào}.

He should go to school.

4

{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {走|zǒu}.

We should go.

1

{你|nǐ} {不|bù} {应该|yīnggāi} {迟到|chídào}.

You shouldn't be late.

2

{这|zhè} {应该|yīnggāi} {很|hěn} {贵|guì}.

This should be expensive.

3

{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {快|kuài} {到|dào} {了|le}.

He should be here soon.

4

{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {买|mǎi} {这个|zhège} {吗|ma}?

Should we buy this?

1

{这|zhè} {本|běn} {书|shū} {应该|yīnggāi} {很|hěn} {有意思|yǒuyìsi}.

This book should be interesting.

2

{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {早点|zǎodiǎn} {告诉|gàosù} {我|wǒ}.

You should have told me earlier.

3

{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {在|zài} {家|jiā} {休息|xiūxi}.

He should be resting at home.

4

{我们|wǒmen} {不|bù} {应该|yīnggāi} {浪费|làngfèi} {时间|shíjiān}.

We shouldn't waste time.

1

{作为|zuòwéi} {学生|xuéshēng}, {你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {努力|nǔlì} {学习|xuéxí}.

As a student, you should study hard.

2

{这|zhè} {项|xiàng} {工作|gōngzuò} {应该|yīnggāi} {在|zài} {明天|míngtiān} {完成|wánchéng}.

This work should be finished by tomorrow.

3

{无论|wúlùn} {发生|fāshēng} {什么|shénme}, {你|nǐ} {都|dōu} {应该|yīnggāi} {保持|bǎochí} {冷静|lěngjìng}.

No matter what happens, you should stay calm.

4

{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {已经|yǐjīng} {知道|zhīdào} {了|le}.

He should already know.

1

{这|zhè} {种|zhǒng} {行为|xíngwéi} {不|bù} {应该|yīnggāi} {被|bèi} {允许|yǔnxǔ}.

This behavior should not be allowed.

2

{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {反思|fǎnsī} {一下|yīxià} {我们|wǒmen} {的|de} {策略|cèlüè}.

We should reflect on our strategy.

3

{他|tā} {本|běn} {应该|yīnggāi} {更|gèng} {早|zǎo} {意识到|yìshídào} {这个|zhège} {问题|wèntí}.

He should have realized this problem earlier.

4

{这|zhè} {应该|yīnggāi} {是|shì} {目前|mùqián} {最|zuì} {好|hǎo} {的|de} {解决|jiějué} {方案|fāng'àn}.

This should be the best solution currently.

1

{所谓|suǒwèi} {的|de} {专家|zhuānjiā} {应该|yīnggāi} {对|duì} {自己|zìjǐ} {的|de} {言论|yánlùn} {负责|fùzé}.

So-called experts should be responsible for their statements.

2

{这|zhè} {本|běn} {应|yīng} {是|shì} {一个|yīgè} {简单|jiǎndān} {的|de} {任务|rènwu}, {却|què} {变得|biànde} {如此|rúcǐ} {复杂|fùzá}.

This should have been a simple task, but it became so complex.

3

{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {以|yǐ} {更|gèng} {宏观|hóngguān} {的|de} {视角|shìjiǎo} {审视|shěnshì} {这|zhè} {一|yī} {现象|xiànxiàng}.

We should examine this phenomenon from a broader perspective.

4

{这|zhè} {不|bù} {应|yīng} {成为|chéngwéi} {我们|wǒmen} {停止|tíngzhǐ} {前进|qiánjìn} {的|de} {理由|lǐyóu}.

This should not become a reason for us to stop moving forward.

Easily Confused

Chinese Modal Verbs: How to say 'Should' (应该 yīnggāi) vs 应该 vs 要

Both are modal verbs, but 'yao' is stronger.

Chinese Modal Verbs: How to say 'Should' (应该 yīnggāi) vs 应该 vs 会

Both can express expectation.

Chinese Modal Verbs: How to say 'Should' (应该 yīnggāi) vs 应该 vs 得

Both relate to obligation.

Common Mistakes

✗

我应该去学校了

✓

我应该去学校

Don't add 'le' unless it's an expectation.
✗

应该我学习

✓

我应该学习

Subject must come first.
✗

我不应该去

✓

我不应该去

Actually correct, but learners often put 'bu' after 'yinggai'.
✗

我应该学习了

✓

我应该学习

Avoid overusing 'le' with advice.
✗

他应该去吗？

✓

他应该去吗？

Correct, but learners often forget the 'ma'.
✗

应该他去

✓

他应该去

Subject placement error.
✗

他应该去学校了

✓

他应该去学校

Contextual error.
✗

我本应该去了

✓

我本应该去

Verb should not be past tense.
✗

你应该去吗？

✓

你应该去吗？

Correct, but tone is often wrong.
✗

他应该学习

✓

他应该学习

Contextual error.
✗

这本应该被做

✓

这本应被做

Use 'ben ying' for formal writing.
✗

你应该学习

✓

你应该学习

Contextual error.
✗

你应该学习

✓

你应该学习

Contextual error.
✗

你应该学习

✓

你应该学习

Contextual error.

Sentence Patterns

我应该___。

你觉得我应该___吗？

我们不应该___。

他应该___了。

Real World Usage

Texting very common

你应该看这个！

Job Interview common

我们应该关注效率。

Travel common

你应该去长城。

Food App occasional

你应该尝试这个菜。

Social Media very common

你应该关注我！

Classroom constant

你应该写作业。

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💡

Keep it simple

Don't worry about tense. Just use the base verb.
⚠️

Subject first

Always put the person before the modal verb.
🎯

Use 'le'

Add 'le' at the end to imply an expectation is about to be met.
💬

Be polite

Use 'yinggai' to sound like you are giving helpful advice, not orders.

Smart Tips

Use 'yinggai' to sound helpful.

你去学习。 → 你应该去学习。

Use 'yinggai' for logical deduction.

他到了。 → 他应该到了。

Use 'yinggai' instead of 'dei'.

你得走。 → 你应该走。

Use 'ying' for brevity.

我们应该... → 我们应...

Pronunciation

yīng-gāi

Ying-gai

The 'y' is soft, 'ing' is like 'sing', 'gai' rhymes with 'eye'.

Question

应该...吗? ↑

Rising pitch at the end indicates a question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Ying-Gai' as 'In-Guy' (the guy inside you telling you what to do).

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny angel on your shoulder whispering 'Ying-Gai' whenever you need to make a good choice.

Rhyme

When you're feeling a bit of doubt, use 'Ying-Gai' to figure it out.

Story

Xiao Ming was confused about his day. He asked his teacher, 'What should I do?' The teacher said, 'You should study.' Xiao Ming said, 'I should study.' He felt better.

Word Web

应该建议应该去应该看不应该应该吗

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about what you should do today in your journal.

Cultural Notes

Used frequently in schools and workplaces to give polite advice.

Similar usage, but often softened with 'a' or 'o' particles.

Often mixed with Cantonese grammar, but 'ying-gai' is understood.

Derived from the concept of 'matching' or 'fitting' (应) and 'should' (该).

Conversation Starters

“

你觉得我应该学什么？

“

我们应该去哪里吃饭？

“

如果我累了，我应该做什么？

“

你认为年轻人应该如何规划未来？

Journal Prompts

写下你今天应该做的三件事。
如果你有更多时间，你觉得你应该学习什么？
描述一个你认为人们应该改变的习惯。
讨论在现代社会中，我们应该如何平衡工作与生活。

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

我___去学习。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 应该
Should is 应该.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

应该我走。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我应该走
Subject first.
Choose the right word. Multiple Choice

你___迟到。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不应该
You shouldn't be late.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们应该走吗
Subject + modal + verb + ma.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

You should drink water.

Answer starts with: 你应该...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你应该喝水
Drink water = 喝水.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Should
应该 means should.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '应该' and '看书'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我应该看书
Subject + modal + verb.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

他___快到了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 应该
Logical expectation.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

我___去学习。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 应该
Should is 应该.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

应该我走。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我应该走
Subject first.
Choose the right word. Multiple Choice

你___迟到。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不应该
You shouldn't be late.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

吗 / 应该 / 我们 / 走 ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们应该走吗
Subject + modal + verb + ma.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

You should drink water.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你应该喝水
Drink water = 喝水.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

应该

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Should
应该 means should.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use '应该' and '看书'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我应该看书
Subject + modal + verb.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

他___快到了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 应该
Logical expectation.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Translate into Chinese Translation

You should go to the doctor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你应该去看医生。
Put the words in the correct order Sentence Reorder

应该 / 喝 / 你 / 热水

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 你应该喝热水
Match the Chinese to the English Match Pairs

Match the phrases

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all
How do you say 'It should be sunny tomorrow'? Multiple Choice

Choose the expectation sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 明天应该有阳光。
Negate the sentence: 'He should buy it.' Fill in the Blank

他 ___ 应该买。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不
Identify the mistake: 'I should have finished my work.' Error Correction

我应该完工作了。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我应该做完工作了。
Translate 'We should speak Chinese'. Translation

We should speak Chinese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们应该说中文。
Order the words for a question Sentence Reorder

应该 / 我 / 怎么 / 走 / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我应该怎么走？
Which one is a casual 'time to go'? Multiple Choice

Casual expression:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 该走了。
Fill in the object. Fill in the Blank

你应该帮你的 ___。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 朋友

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, it stays the same for everyone.

Yes, but you don't change the verb. You just add time words.

It is neutral and used everywhere.

应该 is advice, 要 is necessity.

Yes, just add 吗 at the end.

It implies an expectation is about to happen.

No, it is very polite.

Use 不应该.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Deber

Chinese does not conjugate.

French high

Devoir

Chinese is invariant.

German high

Sollen

German has complex verb placement.

Japanese moderate

Bekii

Japanese is SOV.

Arabic moderate

Yanbaghi

Arabic is highly inflected.

Chinese none

应该

N/A

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Asking Permission with 可以 (kěyǐ)
Next
Strong Obligation: Using "Must" ({必须|bìxū})

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