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Expressing "must" with 得 ("dei3")

得 děi

Verb
HSK 3

Structure

Subj. + 得 + [Verb Phrase]

Translations

  • must
  • need

Definition

得（děi）是一个情态动词，表示有必要或必须做某事。

得 (děi) is a modal verb indicating necessity or obligation to do something.

Usage

得通常放在动词前面，表示主观或客观上的必要。否定形式是‘不用’或‘不必’。

得 is typically placed before a verb to express subjective or objective necessity. The negative form is '不用' (bùyòng) or '不必' (búbì).

Examples

  • 1 你必须得做完作业才能出去玩。(You must finish your homework before going out to play.)
  • 2 明天开会，我得早点起床。(There's a meeting tomorrow, I have to get up early.)
  • 3 学习中文得每天练习才行。(To learn Chinese, you must practice every day.)
  • 4 生病了，得多喝水。(When you're sick, you must drink more water.)
  • 5 这个任务得今天完成。(This task must be completed today.)

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