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Expressing “must" with 非得 ("fei1dei3")

非得 fēiděi

Sentence patterns
HSK 5

Structure

Statement, 非 (得) + Action + 不可 / 不行

Translations

  • must

Definition

副词，表示必须、一定要，常与'不可'、'不行'等搭配，强调主观上的必要性或决心。

An adverb meaning 'must' or 'have to', often used with '不可' or '不行' to emphasize subjective necessity or determination.

Usage

常用于'非得……不可/不行'结构中，表示如果不这样做就不行，语气强烈。也可单独使用，后面接动词短语。

Commonly used in the structure '非得……不可/不行' to express that something must be done or it won't work, with a strong tone. It can also be used alone followed by a verb phrase.

Examples

  • 1 这件事非得你亲自去不可。(This matter must be handled by you in person.)
  • 2 为了赶上火车，我们非得早点出发不行。(To catch the train, we absolutely have to leave early.)
  • 3 他非得学中文不可，因为要去中国工作。(He must learn Chinese because he is going to work in China.)
  • 4 你非得这么固执吗？(Do you have to be so stubborn?)
  • 5 今天非得完成任务，不然不能下班。(We must finish the task today, otherwise we can't leave work.)

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