Should & Ought To: Giving Advice in Chinese (应该)
应该 (yīnggāi) to express what should happen or provide friendly advice before a verb.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use {应该|yīnggāi} before a verb to give advice or express a sense of duty or expectation.
- Place {应该|yīnggāi} directly before the main verb: {你应该|nǐ yīnggāi} {休息|xiūxi}.
- For negative advice, use {不应该|bù yīnggāi}: {你不应该|nǐ bù yīnggāi} {熬夜|áoyè}.
- For questions, add {吗|ma} at the end: {我应该|wǒ yīnggāi} {去吗|qù ma}?
Overview
应该 (yīnggāi) is a fundamental Chinese modal verb crucial for expressing advice, obligations, expectations, and logical inferences. It functions similarly to "should" or "ought to" in English, conveying a sense of appropriateness, correctness, or high probability. Unlike a strict command, 应该 suggests a recommended course of action or a natural consequence, often rooted in common sense, social norms, or logical deduction.
Mastering 应该 allows you to navigate social interactions with greater nuance, offering suggestions or expressing expectations without sounding overly demanding. It's a versatile tool for both giving friendly advice and making reasoned observations about the world around you. This makes it an indispensable part of daily communication at an A2 CEFR level and beyond.
应该 consistently precedes the main verb or adjective in a sentence, serving as a linguistic marker of attitude toward the action. While 应该 is generally used in more formal or complete expressions, its shortened form, 该 (gāi), is ubiquitous in casual conversation, especially when indicating that something is "due" or "it's time to" do something.
How This Grammar Works
应该 are auxiliary verbs that modify the main verb or adjective phrase, adding specific meanings such as ability, possibility, necessity, or desire. They are distinct from full verbs because they cannot stand alone as a predicate and do not undergo conjugation for person, number, or tense. This simplifies their application significantly.应该 is composed of two characters: 应 (yīng), which carries meanings of "should," "ought to," or "respond," and 该 (gāi), meaning "ought," "should," or "deserve." Together, they reinforce the core concept of appropriateness or obligation. This dual origin highlights the various shades of meaning 应该 can convey, from a gentle suggestion to a strong expectation.应该 is rigid: it always comes directly before the main verb or adjective phrase it modifies. This consistent word order is a hallmark of Chinese grammar and helps maintain clarity. Consider its role as painting the main action with a particular brushstroke of obligation or probability.应该 include:- Moral or Social Obligation: What is considered proper, polite, or expected behavior according to societal standards. This can range from general ethics to specific etiquette.
你上课应该认真听讲。(Nǐ shàngkè yīnggāi rènzhēn tīngjiǎng.) – You should listen attentively in class.- Recommendation or Advice: A suggestion made for someone's benefit or improvement, often implying a positive outcome if followed.
你身体不舒服，应该多休息。(Nǐ shēntǐ bù shūfú, yīnggāi duō xiūxi.) – You're not feeling well, you should rest more.- Expectation or Probability: A statement about what is likely to happen or be true based on existing facts, observations, or common sense.
他每天都练习，汉语应该进步很快。(Tā měitiān dōu liànxí, Hànyǔ yīnggāi jìnbù hěn kuài.) – He practices every day, his Chinese should be improving quickly.- Logical Inference: A conclusion drawn from logical reasoning, indicating what must be the case given certain premises.
外面有雨声，她应该已经回家了。(Wàimiàn yǒu yǔshēng, tā yīnggāi yǐjīng huíjiā le.) – It's raining outside, she should have already gone home.
应该 is more than a simple translation of "should"; it captures a broad spectrum of advisement and deduction. Understanding these contexts is key to using 应该 accurately and naturally in diverse situations.Formation Pattern
应该 is straightforward, adhering to the standard Chinese Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order for modal verbs. You will always place 应该 directly before the main verb or adjective that expresses the action or state.
你应该早睡早起。 (Nǐ yīnggāi zǎo shuì zǎo qǐ.) | You should go to bed early and wake up early. |
这个问题应该很简单。 (Zhège wèntí yīnggāi hěn jiǎndān.) | This problem should be very simple. |
他应该是个好老师。 (Tā yīnggāi shì ge hǎo lǎoshī.) | He should be a good teacher. |
我们应该互相帮助。 (Wǒmen yīnggāi hùxiāng bāngzhù.) – We should help each other.
这本书应该很有趣。 (Zhè běn shū yīnggāi hěn yǒuqù.) – This book should be very interesting.
不 (bù) immediately before 应该. The combination 不应该 (bù yīnggāi) functions as a single negative unit.
你不应该说谎。 (Nǐ bù yīnggāi shuōhuǎng.) | You shouldn't lie. |
天气预报说今天有雨，我们不应该出门。 (Tiānqì yùbào shuō jīntiān yǒu yǔ, wǒmen bù yīnggāi chūmén.) | The weather forecast says it will rain today, we shouldn't go out. |
学生不应该迟到。 (Xuésheng bù yīnggāi chídào.) – Students shouldn't be late.
他现在不应该在办公室。 (Tā xiànzài bù yīnggāi zài bàngōngshì.) – He shouldn't be in the office right now.
应该:
吗 (ma): Append 吗 to the end of an affirmative statement to turn it into a yes/no question. This is the most general question form.
我们应该听老师的话吗？ (Wǒmen yīnggāi tīng lǎoshī de huà ma?) | Should we listen to the teacher? |
你现在应该走了吗？ (Nǐ xiànzài yīnggāi zǒu le ma?) – Should you leave now?
应该 directly. Importantly, the second 该 is often omitted for phonetic fluidity, becoming 应不应该.
你应不应该告诉他这个秘密？ (Nǐ yīng bù yīnggāi gàosu tā zhège mìmì?) | Should you tell him this secret? |
我们应不应该买这件衣服？ (Wǒmen yīng bù yīnggāi mǎi zhè jiàn yīfu?) – Should we buy this piece of clothing?
该 (gāi):
应该 can be shortened to 该. This is very common and often carries a sense of urgency or natural progression. It frequently appears with 了 (le) at the end of the sentence.
应该 (Formal/General) | 该 (Informal/Time-related/Due) |
你应该多锻炼。 (Nǐ yīnggāi duō duànliàn.) | (Less common for pure advice) |
我们现在应该吃饭了。 (Wǒmen xiànzài yīnggāi chīfàn le.) | 我们该吃饭了。 (Wǒmen gāi chīfàn le.) – It's time to eat. |
这笔钱应该还了。 (Zhè bǐ qián yīnggāi huán le.) | 这笔钱该还了。 (Zhè bǐ qián gāi huán le.) – This money is due. |
天黑了，我们该回家了。 (Tiān hēi le, wǒmen gāi huíjiā le.) – It's dark, we should go home now.
你的作业该交了。 (Nǐ de zuòyè gāi jiāo le.) – Your homework is due (to be handed in).
该 can sometimes replace 应该 in advice, its primary casual function often revolves around timing or obligation that is naturally occurring or expected to be fulfilled soon. Avoid using 该 if the context requires more formal advice or a general statement of expectation.
When To Use It
应该 is a highly flexible modal verb with various applications in daily communication. Understanding its different contexts will significantly enhance your ability to express advice, expectations, and logical conclusions accurately.应该, functioning directly as "should" or "ought to." You use it to suggest what is beneficial, wise, or the best course of action for someone. This form of advice is typically softer than a command.你如果想学好汉语，应该多听多说。(Nǐ rúguǒ xiǎng xuéhǎo Hànyǔ, yīnggāi duō tīng duō shuō.) – If you want to learn Chinese well, you should listen and speak more.医生说你最近应该多休息。(Yīshēng shuō nǐ zuìjìn yīnggāi duō xiūxi.) – The doctor said you should rest more recently.
应该 indicates actions that are generally expected of people due to social norms, moral principles, or professional duties. It reflects what is considered proper or responsible behavior.我们应该尊重老年人。(Wǒmen yīnggāi zūnzhòng lǎoniánrén.) – We should respect the elderly.作为一名老师，他应该公平对待所有学生。(Zuòwéi yī míng lǎoshī, tā yīnggāi gōngpíng duìdài suǒyǒu xuéshēng.) – As a teacher, he should treat all students fairly.- A common cultural observation in China is the emphasis on collective responsibility and harmony.
应该reflects this by suggesting actions that contribute to a well-functioning society or group, rather than individualistic desires.
应该 is the appropriate modal verb. It's a calculated guess or a strong assumption rather than a definitive statement.天气这么好，今天应该不会下雨。(Tiānqì zhème hǎo, jīntiān yīnggāi bù huì xiàyǔ.) – The weather is so good, it shouldn't rain today.他八点出门，现在应该已经到公司了。(Tā bādiǎn chūmén, xiànzài yīnggāi yǐjīng dào gōngsī le.) – He left home at eight, he should have arrived at the company by now.
应该 expresses a deduction or conclusion that logically follows from certain facts or circumstances. It implies that given the premises, the conclusion is highly probable or almost certain.她中文说得这么流利，应该在中国住过一段时间。(Tā Zhōngwén shuō de zhème liúlì, yīnggāi zài Zhōngguó zhùguò yī duàn shíjiān.) – Her Chinese is so fluent, she should have lived in China for some time.这个手机这么贵，性能应该很好。(Zhège shǒujī zhème guì, xìngnéng yīnggāi hěn hǎo.) – This phone is so expensive, its performance should be very good.
应该 doesn't have a distinct past tense form, you can use it with a past time marker to convey regret or to criticize a past action that "should have" or "should not have" happened. The time word clearly indicates the past context.我昨天不应该吃那么多冰淇淋。(Wǒ zuótiān bù yīnggāi chī nàme duō bīngqílín.) – I shouldn't have eaten so much ice cream yesterday.你当时应该听我的建议。(Nǐ dāngshí yīnggāi tīng wǒ de jiànyì.) – You should have listened to my advice at that time.
该 (gāi) is extremely common, often paired with 了 (le). It signifies that an action is scheduled, expected, or appropriate to happen now.时间不早了，我们该睡觉了。(Shíjiān bù zǎo le, wǒmen gāi shuìjiào le.) – It's getting late, it's time for us to sleep.你该还书了。(Nǐ gāi huán shū le.) – You should return the book (it's due).
应该 to convey your message precisely.Common Mistakes
应该, primarily due to interference from English grammar or misunderstanding the nuances of Chinese modal verbs. Avoiding these common errors will significantly improve your fluency and accuracy.应该 with 会 (huì) or 能 (néng):应该(yīnggāi): Expresses advice, obligation, expectation, or logical inference.你应该多运动。(Nǐ yīnggāi duō yùndòng.) – You should exercise more (advice).会(huì): Expresses learned ability (know how to), possibility, or likelihood (often after a change in circumstances).我会游泳。(Wǒ huì yóuyǒng.) – I know how to swim (learned skill).他会来吗？(Tā huì lái ma?) – Will he come? (possibility/likelihood).能(néng): Expresses physical ability, permission, or capability under certain conditions.我能举起这个箱子。(Wǒ néng jǔqǐ zhège xiāngzi.) – I can lift this box (physical ability).你现在不能出去。(Nǐ xiànzài bù néng chūqù.) – You cannot go out now (permission/prohibition).
应该 when you mean 会 or 能.- Incorrect:
我应该说汉语。(Wǒ yīnggāi shuō Hànyǔ.) – Implies "I should speak Chinese" (obligation), not "I can speak Chinese." - Correct:
我会说汉语。(Wǒ huì shuō Hànyǔ.) – I can speak Chinese.
不:不 always precedes the modal verb it negates. For 应该, it is always 不应该 (bù yīnggāi).不 after 应该.- Incorrect:
你应该不去。(Nǐ yīnggāi bù qù.) – Grammatically awkward, often misunderstood. - Correct:
你不应该去。(Nǐ bù yīnggāi qù.) – You shouldn't go.
应该 for Absolute Certainty:应该 implies a strong likelihood or expectation, but not 100% certainty. It carries a slight degree of subjective judgment or inference. For situations that are undeniably factual or definite, use direct statements or stronger expressions.应该 when there is no doubt.- If you see the bus arriving:
- Incorrect:
公共汽车应该来了。(Gōnggòng qìchē yīnggāi lái le.) – The bus should be coming (implies slight doubt). - Correct:
公共汽车来了！(Gōnggòng qìchē lái le!) – The bus is here!
今天, 明天, 昨天) typically come before the verb or modal verb, or right after the subject. Incorrect placement can lead to unnatural-sounding sentences.应该 or the main verb.- Incorrect:
你应该明天来。(Nǐ yīnggāi míngtiān lái.) – While understandable, it's less natural. - Correct:
你明天应该来。(Nǐ míngtiān yīnggāi lái.) – You should come tomorrow. - Also correct:
你应该明天来。(Subject implied before应该).
应该 for Personal Desire (想):应该 is about what's proper or expected, not what one personally wants. Confusing it with 想 (xiǎng, to want/think) changes the meaning significantly.应该 to express a desire.- Incorrect:
我应该喝咖啡。(Wǒ yīnggāi hē kāfēi.) – Implies "I should drink coffee" (e.g., to stay awake), not "I want to drink coffee." - Correct:
我想喝咖啡。(Wǒ xiǎng hē kāfēi.) – I want to drink coffee.
了 with 该 when indicating "time for...":该 expresses that it's "time to" do something, it is almost invariably followed by 了 (le) to indicate a change of state or completion of the timing.该 without 了 in the "time for" context.- Incorrect:
我们该吃饭。(Wǒmen gāi chīfàn.) – Sounds incomplete. - Correct:
我们该吃饭了。(Wǒmen gāi chīfàn le.) – It's time for us to eat.
应该 in your Chinese communication.Real Conversations
Understanding 应该 in its natural habitat — genuine dialogue — reveals its versatility and subtle meanings. Here are some examples demonstrating its use in various real-life scenarios, from casual chats to more formal contexts.
1. Giving Advice to a Friend (Casual Texting):
Context: Your friend is stressed about upcoming exams.
- Friend: 我最近压力好大，感觉要崩溃了。 (Wǒ zuìjìn yālì hǎo dà, gǎnjué yào bēngkuì le.)
- I'm under so much pressure recently, I feel like I'm going to break down.
- You: 你应该出去走走，放松一下。别一直看书。 (Nǐ yīnggāi chūqù zǒuzǒu, fàngsōng yīxià. Bié yīzhí kànshū.)
- You should go out for a walk and relax a bit. Don't just keep studying.
- Here, 应该 offers a gentle, helpful suggestion for well-being.
2. Expressing Expectation/Probability (Work Context):
Context: You're discussing a project deadline with a colleague.
- Colleague: 这个报告周五能完成吗？ (Zhège bàogào Zhōuwǔ néng wánchéng ma?)
- Can this report be finished by Friday?
- You: 根据进度，周四应该可以提交初稿。 (Gēnjù jìndù, Zhōusì yīnggāi kěyǐ tíjiāo chūgǎo.)
- According to the progress, we should be able to submit the first draft by Thursday.
- 应该 indicates a strong likelihood based on project status, not a guarantee.
3. Logical Inference (Observing a Situation):
Context: You see someone wearing a heavy coat on a surprisingly warm day.
- A: 你看那个人穿得真厚。 (Nǐ kàn nà ge rén chuān de zhēn hòu.)
- Look how thickly that person is dressed.
- B: 他应该是刚从北方回来吧，还没适应这边的天气。 (Tā yīnggāi shì gāng cóng běifāng huílái ba, hái méi shìyìng zhè biān de tiānqì.)
- He should have just come back from the North, probably hasn't adapted to the weather here yet.
- 应该 + 吧 (ba) suggests a reasoned guess, softened with an interrogative particle.
4. Expressing Obligation (Parent to Child):
Context: A child is playing loudly during a family meal.
- Parent: 吃饭的时候，你应该保持安静。 (Chīfàn de shíhou, nǐ yīnggāi bǎochí ānjìng.)
- When eating, you should stay quiet.
- 应该 conveys an expected social behavior or rule of etiquette.
5. Regret about a Past Action (Self-reflection):
Context: You're regretting a decision made yesterday.
- 我昨天不应该答应他去帮忙，现在自己的事还没做完。 (Wǒ zuótiān bù yīnggāi dāyìng tā qù bāngmáng, xiànzài zìjǐ de shì hái méi zuòwán.)
- I shouldn't have promised to help him yesterday; now my own things aren't finished yet.
- The past time word 昨天 (zuótiān) sets the context for regret with 不应该.
6. Using the Shortened 该 (Time/Due):
Context: It's late, and you need to get something done.
- A: 电影看完了，都快十二点了。 (Diànyǐng kàn wán le, dōu kuài shí'èr diǎn le.)
- The movie's over, it's almost midnight.
- B: 是啊，我们该睡觉了。 (Shì a, wǒmen gāi shuìjiào le.)
- Yeah, it's time for us to sleep.
- 该...了 is a very common way to indicate that an action is due or it's time for it.
These examples illustrate how 应该 and 该 integrate seamlessly into everyday Chinese conversation, conveying various shades of meaning depending on the situation. Pay attention to the surrounding context and additional particles to grasp the precise nuance.
Quick FAQ
应该 can clarify lingering doubts and deepen your understanding of its usage.该 be used interchangeably with 应该 in all situations?该 is the shortened, more casual form of 应该, they are not perfectly interchangeable. 该 often implies that an action is due, or that it's time for something to happen, and it carries a slightly more urgent or imperative tone.应该 is broader, more formal, and generally used for advice, general obligations, or expectations. For specific advice or when you want to sound more complete, stick with 应该.我们该走了。(Wǒmen gāi zǒu le.) – We should leave (it's time to leave/we're due to leave).你应该多和父母沟通。(Nǐ yīnggāi duō hé fùmǔ gōutōng.) – You should communicate more with your parents (general advice).
应该 to make my advice less direct or pushy?应该 can sometimes sound a bit direct, especially if you're giving unsolicited advice. You can soften it by adding adverbs or particles, or by phrasing it as your personal opinion:- Adding
我觉得(wǒ juéde, I think):我觉得你应该多考虑一下。(Wǒ juéde nǐ yīnggāi duō kǎolǜ yīxià.) – I think you should consider it more. - Adding
可能(kěnéng, maybe/perhaps):他可能应该早点联系我们。(Tā kěnéng yīnggāi zǎodiǎn liánxì wǒmen.) – He probably should contact us earlier. - Adding
吧(ba) at the end:你应该去看看吧？(Nǐ yīnggāi qù kànkàn ba?) – You should go take a look, right? (softens the suggestion). - Using
最好(zuìhǎo, had better):你最好现在就去。(Nǐ zuìhǎo xiànzài jiù qù.) – You had better go now (stronger suggestion, often implying potential negative consequences if not followed).
应该 have a past tense form to express "should have"?昨天 (zuótiān, yesterday), 当时 (dāngshí, at that time), or other past-referencing phrases indicates that the 应该 applies to a past situation, often with a sense of regret or criticism.你昨天不应该说那些话。(Nǐ zuótiān bù yīnggāi shuō nàxiē huà.) – You shouldn't have said those words yesterday.他当时应该告诉我们真相。(Tā dāngshí yīnggāi gàosu wǒmen zhēnxiàng.) – He should have told us the truth at that time.
应该 always about positive or recommended actions?不应该 (bù yīnggāi), is used to advise against actions, express disapproval, or indicate what should not be happening.你不应该浪费食物。(Nǐ bù yīnggāi làngfèi shíwù.) – You shouldn't waste food.这种情况下不应该开玩笑。(Zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng xià bù yīnggāi kāiwánxiào.) – You shouldn't joke in this kind of situation.
应该 differ from 得 (děi) when expressing necessity?应该 and 得 can express necessity or obligation, but their nuances differ:应该(yīnggāi): Refers to what is appropriate, advisable, or logically expected. The necessity often stems from moral principles, social norms, or reasoned judgment. It's a recommendation or a soft obligation.得(děi): Implies a stronger, often external, necessity or compulsion. It means "have to" or "must" due to circumstances, rules, or unavoidable situations. It's less about advice and more about something being unavoidable or required.
应该 (yīnggāi) | 得 (děi) |你应该多休息。 (You should rest more – advice) | 我得走了，不然就迟到了。 (Wǒ děi zǒu le, bùrán jiù chídào le.) (I have to go, otherwise I'll be late – external pressure) |得 conveys a stronger sense of obligation, almost like 必须 (bìxū), but often driven by a specific context rather than a general rule.应该 be used to ask for permission?应该 is about what is advisable or expected, not about seeking permission. For asking permission, you should use modal verbs like 可以 (kěyǐ, can/may).- Asking for advice:
我应该现在做吗？(Wǒ yīnggāi xiànzài zuò ma?) – Should I do it now? - Asking for permission:
我现在可以做吗？(Wǒ xiànzài kěyǐ zuò ma?) – Can I do it now? (Am I allowed to do it now?)
应该 with greater confidence and precision in your Chinese communication.Formation of 应该
| Type | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + 应该 + Verb
|
我应该学习
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + 不应该 + Verb
|
你不应该迟到
|
|
Question
|
Subj + 应该 + Verb + 吗
|
我应该走吗
|
|
Past (implied)
|
Subj + 应该 + Verb + 了
|
他应该到了
|
|
Suggestion
|
Subj + 应该 + Verb + 吧
|
我们应该去吧
|
|
Emphasis
|
Subj + 确实 + 应该 + Verb
|
你确实应该去
|
Shortened Forms
| Full | Shortened | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
应该
|
应
|
Formal/Literary
|
Meanings
The modal verb {应该|yīnggāi} indicates that something is appropriate, advisable, or expected.
Advice
Suggesting a course of action to someone.
“{你应该|nǐ yīnggāi} {早点睡|zǎodiǎn shuì}.”
“{你应该|nǐ yīnggāi} {学中文|xué zhōngwén}.”
Expectation
Something that is likely to happen or is expected to be true.
“{现在|xiànzài} {应该|yīnggāi} {十点|shí diǎn} {了|le}.”
“{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {快到|kuài dào} {了|le}.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
S + 应该 + V
|
你应该休息
|
|
Negative
|
S + 不应该 + V
|
你不应该抽烟
|
|
Question
|
S + 应该 + V + 吗
|
我应该买吗
|
|
Expectation
|
S + 应该 + V + 了
|
他应该到了
|
|
Suggestion
|
S + 应该 + V + 吧
|
我们应该走吧
|
|
Past Regret
|
S + 本来 + 应该 + V
|
我本来应该去
|
|
Certainty
|
S + 应该 + 是 + V
|
这应该是对的
|
Formality Spectrum
您应该去。 (Advice)
你应该去。 (Advice)
你该去。 (Advice)
你得去。 (Advice)
Uses of 应该
Advice
- 建议 suggestion
Duty
- 责任 responsibility
Logic
- 推测 deduction
Modal Verb Comparison
Examples by Level
{我|wǒ} {应该|yīnggāi} {走|zǒu} {了|le}.
I should go now.
{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {学|xué} {中文|zhōngwén}.
You should learn Chinese.
{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {来|lái}.
He should come.
{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {吃饭|chīfàn}.
We should eat.
{你|nǐ} {不应该|bù yīnggāi} {熬夜|áoyè}.
You shouldn't stay up late.
{我|wǒ} {应该|yīnggāi} {怎么|zěnme} {做|zuò}?
What should I do?
{这|zhè} {应该|yīnggāi} {是|shì} {对|duì} {的|de}.
This should be correct.
{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {快到|kuài dào} {了|le}.
He should be arriving soon.
{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {提前|tíqián} {准备|zhǔnbèi}.
We should prepare in advance.
{你|nǐ} {不应该|bù yīnggāi} {对|duì} {他|tā} {那么|nàme} {生气|shēngqì}.
You shouldn't be so angry at him.
{这|zhè} {应该|yīnggāi} {不|bù} {会|huì} {有|yǒu} {问题|wèntí}.
This shouldn't be a problem.
{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {多|duō} {听|tīng} {老师|lǎoshī} {的|de} {话|huà}.
You should listen to the teacher more.
{作为|zuòwéi} {学生|xuéshēng}, {你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {遵守|zūnshǒu} {规则|guīzé}.
As a student, you should follow the rules.
{这|zhè} {应该|yīnggāi} {是|shì} {目前|mùqián} {最好|zuìhǎo} {的|de} {方案|fāng'àn}.
This should be the best solution for now.
{我|wǒ} {本来|běnlái} {应该|yīnggāi} {昨天|zuótiān} {完成|wánchéng} {的|de}.
I should have finished it yesterday.
{你|nǐ} {不应该|bù yīnggāi} {在|zài} {公共场合|gōnggòng chǎnghé} {大声|dàshēng} {说话|shuōhuà}.
You shouldn't speak loudly in public.
{这|zhè} {本|běn} {书|shū} {应该|yīnggāi} {能|néng} {满足|mǎnzú} {你|nǐ} {的|de} {需求|xūqiú}.
This book should be able to meet your needs.
{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {已经|yǐjīng} {意识到|yìshí dào} {了|le} {问题|wèntí} {的|de} {严重性|yánzhòngxìng}.
He should have already realized the severity of the problem.
{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {反思|fǎnsī} {一下|yīxià {自己|zìjǐ} {的|de} {行为|xíngwéi}.
We should reflect on our own behavior.
{这|zhè} {不应该|bù yīnggāi} {成为|chéngwéi} {我们|wǒmen} {放弃|fàngqì} {的|de} {理由|lǐyóu}.
This shouldn't be a reason for us to give up.
{难道|nándào} {我们|wǒmen} {不|bù} {应该|yīnggāi} {追求|zhuīqiú} {更|gèng} {高|gāo} {的|de} {目标|mùbiāo} {吗|ma}?
Shouldn't we be pursuing higher goals?
{这|zhè} {本|běn} {应|yīng} {是|shì} {一场|yī chǎng} {胜利|shènglì}, {却|què} {变成|biànchéng} {了|le} {失败|shībài}.
This should have been a victory, but it turned into a failure.
{他|tā} {应该|yīnggāi} {是|shì} {最|zuì} {清楚|qīngchu} {真相|zhēnxiàng} {的|de} {人|rén}.
He should be the person who knows the truth best.
{我们|wǒmen} {应该|yīnggāi} {在|zài} {尊重|zūnzhòng} {传统|chuántǒng} {的|de} {基础|jīchǔ} {上|shàng} {创新|chuàngxīn}.
We should innovate on the basis of respecting tradition.
Easily Confused
Both are modal verbs, but 应该 is advice, while 要 is intent.
Both imply obligation, but 得 is much stronger.
Both can express probability.
Common Mistakes
我应该去吗？
我应该去吗？
应该我走
我应该走
我应该的去
我应该去
我应该去不
我不应该去
你应该去吗？
你应该去吗？
你应该去不？
你应该去吗？
你应该了去
你应该去
你应该去过
你应该去
你应该去着
你应该去
你应该去得
你应该去
你应该去吧吗？
你应该去吧？
你应该去吗？（in a statement）
你应该去。
你应该去，不是吗？
你应该去，对吧？
Sentence Patterns
你应该___。
你不应该___。
我应该___吗？
你应该___，而不是___。
Real World Usage
你应该早点睡。
你应该具备这些技能。
你应该去看看长城。
你应该选这个套餐。
你应该关注这个账号。
你应该引用这些文献。
Keep it simple
Don't conjugate
Use 吧
Be polite
Smart Tips
Add 吧 to make it sound like a suggestion rather than a command.
Use 本来 before 应该.
Use 怎么 to ask for the 'how'.
Use 您 instead of 你.
Pronunciation
Tone
Yīng is high flat (1st), Gāi is high flat (1st).
Statement
你应该去。 (Flat tone)
Giving advice.
Question
你应该去吗？ (Rising tone at end)
Asking for advice.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Ying-Gai' as 'Ying' (Eagle) 'Gai' (Guide). An eagle guides you with advice.
Visual Association
Imagine a friendly teacher pointing at a sign that says 'Should'. The teacher is wearing a badge that says 'Ying-Gai'.
Rhyme
Ying-gai is the word to use, when advice you want to choose.
Story
Xiao Wang was lost. He asked a local, 'Where should I go?' The local said, 'You should go left.' Xiao Wang felt relieved because he now knew what he should do.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about what you should do to learn Chinese better.
Cultural Notes
Used frequently in family settings to show care.
Often used with '吧' to soften the advice.
Often mixed with Cantonese particles.
Derived from the verb 应 (to respond/should) and 该 (to belong to/should).
Conversation Starters
我应该学什么？
我应该去北京吗？
你应该怎么看这件事？
我们应该如何解决这个问题？
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
你___去学校。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
你走不应该。
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
You should eat.
Answer starts with: 你应该...
Use 应该 and 学习.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
He ___ be here soon.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercises你___去学校。
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
你走不应该。
应该 / 你 / 休息
You should eat.
Use 应该 and 学习.
Match 应该 with English.
He ___ be here soon.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesshould / watch / movie / you / this
You shouldn't play games all day.
{现在|xiànzài} {八点|bādiǎn} {了|le}，{他|tā} ___ {在|zài} {家|jiā}。
Should I call him?
{你|nǐ} {应该|yīnggāi} {不|bù} {去|qù} {那儿|nàr}。
Match the following:
{太|tài} {晚|wǎn} {了|le}，{我|wǒ} ___ {回|huí} {家|jiā} {了|le}。
The weather should be very good today.
To a friend who looks tired:
{他|tā} {学习|xuéxí} {很|hěn} {努力|nǔlì}，{所以|suǒyǐ} {考试|kǎoshì} {不应该|bù yīnggāi} {及格|jígé}。
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, but you usually add '本来' to show it was an unfulfilled expectation.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
No, it must be followed by a verb.
Use 必须 or 得.
No, 'want' is 要.
Yes, add 吗 at the end.
Not at all, it's very common.
Use 不应该.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
should
English conjugates for person in some contexts; Chinese does not.
debería
Spanish verbs conjugate for person and number.
devrait
French has complex verb agreement.
sollte
German word order changes with modal verbs.
べき
Japanese grammar is agglutinative.
ينبغي
Arabic has gendered agreement.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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