When you see 务必 (wù bì), think of it as a strong instruction. It's like saying "you absolutely must" or "be sure to" do something. There’s no room for skipping it – it’s a necessary action. For example, if your friend says "你务必来我的生日派对", it means "You absolutely must come to my birthday party." It emphasizes the importance of the action.
§ What does 务必 (wùbì) mean?
- Definition
- 务必 (wùbì) is an adverb that means "must," "be sure to," or "it is imperative." It’s used to emphasize the absolute necessity or importance of an action, often implying a serious consequence if the action isn't taken.
Think of 务必 (wùbì) as a stronger, more formal version of "must" or "definitely" in English. When someone uses 务必, they are not just suggesting something; they are stressing that it absolutely needs to happen. It's often found in official announcements, instructions, warnings, or when giving serious advice.
For example, if you see a sign that says "请务必携带有效证件" (qǐng wùbì xiédài yǒuxiào zhèngjiàn), it doesn't just mean "please carry valid ID." It means "it is absolutely imperative that you carry valid ID" – implying you won't be allowed in or processed without it. The stakes are higher.
§ When to use 务必 (wùbì)
You'll typically encounter 务必 (wùbì) in situations where there's a clear directive, a crucial piece of advice, or a warning. It adds a layer of seriousness and non-negotiability to the statement. Here are some common contexts:
- Formal Instructions: In official documents, policies, or procedural guides.
- Important Reminders: When a deadline is critical, or a specific action has significant implications.
- Serious Advice/Warnings: When advising someone on something that could have negative consequences if ignored.
- Requests/Demands: When making a request that is non-negotiable or extremely important to fulfill.
It’s less common in casual everyday conversation among friends, unless the situation is genuinely serious. For lighter "musts" or "definitelys," you might use other words like 一定 (yīdìng) or 必须 (bìxū).
§ Examples of 务必 (wùbì) in action
Let's look at some examples to help you understand how to use 务必 (wùbì) correctly:
明天开会，大家务必准时出席。
- Translation Hint
- Tomorrow's meeting, everyone must attend on time. (It is imperative that everyone attends on time.)
请务必保存好您的票据，以备不时之需。
- Translation Hint
- Please be sure to keep your receipts for future needs. (It is imperative that you keep your receipts.)
出发前，务必检查所有设备是否正常工作。
- Translation Hint
- Before departing, must check if all equipment is working properly. (It is imperative to check all equipment.)
学生们务必在截止日期前提交作业。
- Translation Hint
- Students must submit assignments before the deadline. (It is imperative that students submit assignments.)
How Formal Is It?
"请您务必遵守会议纪律。"
"你一定要来参加我的生日派对。"
"他非得现在走不可。"
"小朋友们记住，过马路要看红绿灯哦。"
"兄弟，今晚的聚会，你必须的到场！"
Examples by Level
你务必在出发前检查好所有文件。
You must check all documents before departure.
请务必准时到达，会议很重要。
Please be sure to arrive on time, the meeting is very important.
驾驶时务必系好安全带。
It is imperative to fasten your seatbelt when driving.
完成作业后，务必再检查一遍。
After finishing your homework, be sure to check it again.
为了您的安全，务必遵守交通规则。
For your safety, you must obey traffic rules.
明天务必带上你的身份证。
Be sure to bring your ID card tomorrow.
请务必记住这个重要的日期。
Please be sure to remember this important date.
为了健康，务必每天锻炼。
For health, it is imperative to exercise every day.
Grammar Patterns
Sentence Patterns
务必 + Verb
你务必准时到场。 (You must arrive on time.)
务必 + Adj. + 的
这件事情务必保密。 (This matter must be kept confidential.)
请务必 + Verb
请务必告诉我。 (Please be sure to tell me.)
务必 + 要 + Verb
你务必要记住。 (You absolutely must remember.)
在…之前，务必…
在离开之前，务必检查所有门窗。 (Before leaving, be sure to check all doors and windows.)
务必 + Verb + 好
你们务必把作业写好。 (You must do your homework well.)
务必 + 不 + Verb
你务必不要忘记。 (You must not forget.)
务必 + Punctuation + Explanation
务必：今天下午开会。 (It is imperative: We have a meeting this afternoon.)
How to Use It
Use 务必 to emphasize the necessity or importance of doing something. It's stronger than '要' (yào) or '应该' (yīnggāi) and often implies a strict requirement or a strong recommendation. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Examples:
- 务必在周五之前提交报告。(Wùbì zài zhōuwǔ zhīqián tíjiāo bàogào.) - Be sure to submit the report before Friday.
- 出门前务必关好门窗。(Chūmén qián wùbì guānhǎo ménchuāng.) - It is imperative to close the doors and windows before leaving.
- 您务必记住我的话。(Nín wùbì jìzhù wǒ de huà.) - You must remember my words.
A common mistake is using 务必 when a weaker expression like '要' (yào - need to) or '应该' (yīnggāi - should) would be more appropriate. 务必 carries a strong sense of obligation or command, so using it incorrectly can make your request sound overly demanding. Another mistake is directly translating 'must' into 必须 (bìxū) in situations where 务必 is more natural. While 必须 also means 'must,' 务必 often implies a warning or a strong emphasis on a particular action, whereas 必须 can be more about a general requirement or obligation. Incorrect: 我必须明天早上8点到公司。(Wǒ bìxū míngtiān zǎoshang 8 diǎn dào gōngsī.) - I must be at the office by 8 AM tomorrow. (While grammatically correct, 务必 might be used if emphasizing the importance of punctuality as a strong recommendation or instruction from someone else.) Correct (if emphasizing strong instruction): 你务必明天早上8点到公司。(Nǐ wùbì míngtiān zǎoshang 8 diǎn dào gōngsī.) - You must be at the office by 8 AM tomorrow (as a strong instruction).
Test Yourself 60 questions
你 ___ 要来我家玩。
The sentence expresses an imperative invitation, so '务必' (must) is the correct choice.
请 ___ 关灯。
This is a polite but firm instruction, '务必' (be sure to) fits best.
出门前，___ 带钥匙。
The sentence advises to 'be sure to' bring keys before leaving. '务必' is appropriate.
你 ___ 记得我的生日。
The speaker wants the listener to 'surely' remember their birthday. '务必' emphasizes the importance.
开会时，___ 准时到。
It is an important instruction to 'must' be on time for the meeting. '务必' expresses this necessity.
吃饭前，___ 洗手。
This is a basic and important instruction to 'be sure to' wash hands before eating. '务必' fits the context.
Which word means 'must' or 'be sure to'?
'务必 (wùbì)' means 'must' or 'be sure to'. '可以 (kěyǐ)' means 'can', '也许 (yěxǔ)' means 'maybe', and '不要 (bùyào)' means 'don't'.
Fill in the blank: 你 ___ 吃饭。
To say 'You must eat', we use '务必 (wùbì)'. '想 (xiǎng)' means 'want', '会 (huì)' means 'will/can', and '喜欢 (xǐhuān)' means 'like'.
Which sentence means 'You must come tomorrow.'?
'你务必明天来。' uses '务必 (wùbì)' to express 'must'. The other sentences don't have the meaning of 'must'.
The word '务必 (wùbì)' means 'maybe'.
'务必 (wùbì)' means 'must' or 'be sure to', not 'maybe'.
If someone says '请务必听我说。', it means 'Please be sure to listen to me.'.
'请务必听我说。' correctly uses '务必 (wùbì)' to mean 'Please be sure to listen to me.'.
You can use '务必 (wùbì)' when you want to say something is optional.
'务必 (wùbì)' is used for things that are imperative or a must, not optional.
Write a sentence telling someone they absolutely must bring their passport to travel.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你务必带上你的护照。
Write a sentence telling someone it's very important to be careful.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你务必小心。
Write a short note reminding a friend to definitely call you tomorrow.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明天务必给我打电话。
小明应该做什么？
Read this passage:
医生说，小明务必多喝水。他应该多喝水吗？
小明应该做什么？
The passage states '小明务必多喝水' (Xiao Ming must drink more water).
The passage states '小明务必多喝水' (Xiao Ming must drink more water).
学生们应该怎么做？
Read this passage:
老师说，大家务必准时到教室。学生们应该怎么做？
学生们应该怎么做？
The passage says '大家务必准时到教室' (Everyone must arrive at the classroom on time).
The passage says '大家务必准时到教室' (Everyone must arrive at the classroom on time).
妈妈希望孩子做什么？
Read this passage:
妈妈说，你务必把房间收拾好。她希望孩子做什么？
妈妈希望孩子做什么？
The passage says '你务必把房间收拾好' (You must clean up your room).
The passage says '你务必把房间收拾好' (You must clean up your room).
This means 'You must come.' '你' (nǐ) is 'you', '务必' (wùbì) is 'must', and '来' (lái) is 'come'.
This means 'I must eat food.' '我' (wǒ) is 'I', '务必' (wùbì) is 'must', '吃' (chī) is 'eat', and '饭' (fàn) is 'food/meal'.
This means 'She must learn Chinese.' '她' (tā) is 'she', '务必' (wùbì) is 'must', '学' (xué) is 'learn', and '中文' (zhōngwén) is 'Chinese'.
明天开会很重要，你___要准时到。
The sentence emphasizes the importance of the meeting and the need to be on time, so '务必' (must; be sure to) is the best fit.
请记住，出门前___关好门窗。
This sentence gives an important instruction to close doors and windows before leaving, making '务必' (be sure to) the correct choice.
这个报告很重要，你___仔细检查。
The report is important, so it's imperative to check it carefully. '务必' (it is imperative) conveys this necessity.
去图书馆，___记得带学生证。
To enter the library, it's a must to bring your student ID. '务必' (must) expresses this requirement.
明天考试，大家___认真复习。
For an exam tomorrow, everyone 'must' review diligently. '务必' emphasizes this essential action.
完成任务后，___告诉我结果。
After completing the task, it's imperative to report the results. '务必' (it is imperative) is the correct word here.
Choose the best translation for: '你务必准时到。'
务必 (wùbì) means 'must' or 'it is imperative,' indicating a strong requirement.
Which sentence uses 务必 (wùbì) correctly?
务必 (wùbì) is used for imperative actions, not for preferences, past events, or frequent habits.
If your teacher says '务必听老师的话！', what do they mean?
务必 (wùbì) conveys a strong command or necessity.
You can use 务必 (wùbì) to express a polite suggestion.
务必 (wùbì) expresses a strong necessity or imperative, not a polite suggestion.
The sentence '你务必多喝水。' means 'You must drink more water.'
务必 (wùbì) translates to 'must' or 'be sure to,' making the statement accurate.
务必 (wùbì) is usually used when talking about something that happened in the past.
务必 (wùbì) is used to emphasize actions that need to be done in the present or future, not past events.
Imagine you are reminding a friend to bring an important document to a meeting. Write a Chinese sentence using '务必' to tell them to be sure to bring it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
开会前，你务必带好所有文件。
You are giving instructions to a new colleague about safety in the office. Write a Chinese sentence using '务必' to emphasize the importance of following safety rules.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在办公室里，务必遵守安全规定。
You are reminding a child to finish their homework before playing. Write a Chinese sentence using '务必' to tell them they must finish it first.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你务必先完成作业，才能玩。
根据短文，医生为什么要病人务必按时吃药？
Read this passage:
医生对病人说：你务必按时吃药，这样病才能好得快。病人听了医生的话，每天都准时吃药。几天后，他的身体好多了。
根据短文，医生为什么要病人务必按时吃药？
文章中明确指出“这样病才能好得快”。
文章中明确指出“这样病才能好得快”。
小明为什么考得很好？
Read this passage:
老师告诉同学们：明天有重要的考试，大家务必认真复习。小明听了老师的话，回家后立刻开始复习。第二天，他考得很好。
小明为什么考得很好？
文章中提到小明听了老师的话“立刻开始复习”，这说明他认真复习了。
文章中提到小明听了老师的话“立刻开始复习”，这说明他认真复习了。
孩子为什么每次出门前务必关好门窗？
Read this passage:
妈妈对孩子说：你出门前务必关好门窗，以免小偷进来。孩子每次出门都会仔细检查门窗是否关好。家里从来没有丢过东西。
孩子为什么每次出门前务必关好门窗？
文章中妈妈的话直接说明了原因：“以免小偷进来”。
文章中妈妈的话直接说明了原因：“以免小偷进来”。
You are organizing a team outing. Write a short message to your team members reminding them about an important detail using '务必'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
大家好！关于本周六的团队活动，请大家务必准时到达集合地点。期待与大家见面！(Hi everyone! Regarding this Saturday's team outing, please be sure to arrive at the meeting point on time. Looking forward to seeing you all!)
You are leaving for a trip and want to remind your friend to water your plants. Write a sentence using '务必'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我旅行期间，请你务必帮我给植物浇水。(During my trip, please be sure to help me water the plants.)
You are a customer service representative responding to an urgent inquiry. Write a sentence advising the customer on a critical step using '务必'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
请您务必在提交申请前仔细核对所有信息，以免影响处理进度。(Please be sure to carefully check all information before submitting your application, to avoid affecting the processing progress.)
医生对病人提出了什么要求？
Read this passage:
医生对病人说：“为了您的健康，务必戒烟戒酒。” 病人听后决定改变自己的生活习惯。
医生对病人提出了什么要求？
文章中明确提到医生说：“为了您的健康，务必戒烟戒酒。” (The article clearly states that the doctor said: 'For your health, you must quit smoking and drinking.')
文章中明确提到医生说：“为了您的健康，务必戒烟戒酒。” (The article clearly states that the doctor said: 'For your health, you must quit smoking and drinking.')
根据通知，员工需要在什么时候完成报告？
Read this passage:
通知：所有员工在下班前务必完成今日报告。否则将影响绩效考核。
根据通知，员工需要在什么时候完成报告？
通知中明确指出“所有员工在下班前务必完成今日报告。” (The notice clearly states 'All employees must complete today's report before getting off work.')
通知中明确指出“所有员工在下班前务必完成今日报告。” (The notice clearly states 'All employees must complete today's report before getting off work.')
旅行社提醒游客在国外旅行时要注意什么？
Read this passage:
旅行社提醒游客：在国外旅行时，务必保管好自己的护照和财物，以防丢失。
旅行社提醒游客在国外旅行时要注意什么？
旅行社提醒游客“务必保管好自己的护照和财物”。 (The travel agency reminds tourists to 'be sure to take good care of their passport and belongings.')
旅行社提醒游客“务必保管好自己的护照和财物”。 (The travel agency reminds tourists to 'be sure to take good care of their passport and belongings.')
在重要的考试前，你______仔细检查所有答案。
“务必”表示强烈的要求或必要性，在这里表示在重要考试前，仔细检查答案是非常必要的。
为了确保项目的成功，我们______严格遵守时间表。
为了确保项目的成功，严格遵守时间表是必须的，所以用“务必”。
离开实验室时，请______关掉所有电器设备。
在实验室离开时，关掉所有电器设备是为了安全，是强制性的要求，因此使用“务必”。
“务必”可以用来表示一种建议或可能性。
“务必”表示强制性的要求或必要性，而不是建议或可能性。
当你想强调某件事情的重要性时，可以使用“务必”。
“务必”正是用来强调某件事情的必要性和重要性。
在正式场合，“务必”比“一定”更常用，且语气更强烈。
“务必”通常用于正式场合，表达比“一定”更强的强制性和严肃性。
You are organizing a team event. Write a short memo (2-3 sentences) to your colleagues reminding them about an important detail they *must not* forget.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
各位同事，明天团建活动，请大家务必准时到达集合地点。务必携带好个人用品，尤其是防晒霜和帽子。期待与大家共度愉快的一天！(Dear colleagues, for tomorrow's team building event, please be sure to arrive at the meeting point on time. It is imperative to bring your personal items, especially sunscreen and a hat. Looking forward to a pleasant day with everyone!)
Imagine you are giving instructions to a new employee on how to handle a critical task. Write one sentence emphasizing something they *absolutely must* do to avoid problems.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在处理客户投诉时，你务必保持耐心并详细记录所有沟通细节，以确保问题得到妥善解决。(When dealing with customer complaints, you must remain patient and meticulously record all communication details to ensure the problem is properly resolved.)
You are leaving a note for your roommate about something important they *must remember* to do. Write a short note (1-2 sentences).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
小李，我出门了，你务必记得关好门窗。另外，务必把垃圾带下去。(Xiao Li, I'm going out, you must remember to close the doors and windows. Also, be sure to take the trash downstairs.)
根据这段话，秘书在会议前最需要注意什么？
Read this passage:
在重要会议前，秘书务必仔细检查所有文件，确保没有遗漏。她还务必提前调试好投影设备，以免会议期间出现技术问题。这些都是确保会议顺利进行的关键步骤。
根据这段话，秘书在会议前最需要注意什么？
文章中明确提到“秘书务必仔细检查所有文件”和“还务必提前调试好投影设备”。(The passage clearly states that the secretary 'must carefully check all documents' and 'must also debug the projection equipment in advance'.)
文章中明确提到“秘书务必仔细检查所有文件”和“还务必提前调试好投影设备”。(The passage clearly states that the secretary 'must carefully check all documents' and 'must also debug the projection equipment in advance'.)
医生强调了病人务必做什么？
Read this passage:
医生对病人说：“你务必按时服药，并且务必避免辛辣食物。定期复查也非常重要，务必牢记。” 病人点头表示明白。
医生强调了病人务必做什么？
医生明确指示病人“务必按时服药”、“务必避免辛辣食物”和“务必牢记定期复查”。(The doctor explicitly instructed the patient to 'be sure to take medicine on time,' 'be sure to avoid spicy food,' and 'be sure to remember regular follow-ups.')
医生明确指示病人“务必按时服药”、“务必避免辛辣食物”和“务必牢记定期复查”。(The doctor explicitly instructed the patient to 'be sure to take medicine on time,' 'be sure to avoid spicy food,' and 'be sure to remember regular follow-ups.')
这份通知的核心要求是什么？
Read this passage:
通知：所有员工务必在下午五点前提交本周工作报告。对于未能按时提交的，务必向部门经理说明原因。感谢大家的配合。
这份通知的核心要求是什么？
通知首句即指出“所有员工务必在下午五点前提交本周工作报告”，这是主要要求。(The first sentence of the notice states that 'all employees must submit this week's work report by 5 PM,' which is the main requirement.)
通知首句即指出“所有员工务必在下午五点前提交本周工作报告”，这是主要要求。(The first sentence of the notice states that 'all employees must submit this week's work report by 5 PM,' which is the main requirement.)
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More daily_life words
朝九晚五
B2From nine to five; regular working hours.
未免
B2Rather; a bit too; truly (implies something excessive).
废弃
B2To abandon; to discard; to cease to use.
恪守
B2To scrupulously observe; to strictly adhere to.
反常
B2abnormal, unusual
充裕
B2Abundant; ample.
充沛
B2Abundant; plentiful; full of energy.
门禁卡
B2Access card; entry card.
门禁
B2Access control (system).
配件
B2Fittings; accessories; spare parts.
