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Expressing "should" with 应该 ("ying1gai1")

应该 yīnggāi

Verb
HSK 2

Structure

Subj. + 应该 + Verb + Obj. Subj. + 不 + 应该 + Verb + Obj.

Translations

  • should

Definition

表示理所当然，应当如此；也用于推测事情的可能性。

Indicates that something is理所当然 or should be so; also used for speculation about the likelihood of an event.

Usage

通常放在动词前面，表示义务、建议或推测。可以用于肯定句、否定句（加“不”）和疑问句。

Usually placed before a verb to express obligation, suggestion, or speculation. Can be used in affirmative, negative (with '不'), and interrogative sentences.

Examples

  • 1 你应该好好学习。 (You should study hard.)
  • 2 他应该已经到机场了。 (He should have arrived at the airport.)
  • 3 我们不应该浪费食物。 (We should not waste food.)
  • 4 你应该向老师道歉。 (You should apologize to the teacher.)
  • 5 今天应该不会下雨。 (It probably won't rain today.)
  • 6 这个问题应该怎么解决？ (How should this problem be solved?)

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