Must-see
Meaning: Something so good or important that you absolutely have to watch, visit, or experience it.
Calling something 'must-see' is the strongest recommendation. NBC famously branded its Thursday night lineup as 'Must See TV' in the 1990s. The term applies to movies, shows, tourist attractions, concerts, and any experience considered essential.
Examples
- That documentary is must-see — it'll change how you think about everything. 那部纪录片是必看的——它会改变你对一切的看法。Ese documental es imprescindible — cambiará tu forma de ver las cosas.あのドキュメンタリーは必見だよ——物の見方が変わる。그 다큐멘터리는 필수 관람이야——모든 것에 대한 생각이 바뀔 거야.
- The Grand Canyon is a must-see if you're driving through Arizona. 如果你开车经过亚利桑那州,大峡谷是必看的。El Gran Cañón es una visita obligada si pasas por Arizona.アリゾナをドライブするならグランドキャニオンは必見だ。애리조나를 드라이브한다면 그랜드 캐니언은 꼭 봐야 해.
- It's must-see TV — don't miss the finale. 这是必看的电视节目——不要错过大结局。Es televisión imprescindible — no te pierdas el final.あれは必見のテレビ番組だ——最終回を見逃すな。필수 시청 프로그램이야——최종회를 놓치지 마.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: recommendations, entertainment, travel, reviews
Tone: enthusiastic, insistent
✓ Do Say
- It's must-see TV.这是必看的好剧。Es televisión imprescindible.あれは必見のテレビだよ。필수 시청 프로그램이야.
- That exhibit is a must-see.那个展览是必看的。Esa exposición es una visita obligada.あの展覧会は必見だ。그 전시회는 꼭 봐야 해.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't overuse — if everything is must-see, nothing is不要过度使用——如果什么都是必看的,那就什么都不是了No lo uses en exceso — si todo es imprescindible, nada lo es使いすぎない——何もかも必見にしたら、何も必見ではなくなる남용하지 않는다 — 모든 것이 필수 관람이면 아무것도 필수 관람이 아니게 된다
Origin & History
Popularized by NBC's 'Must See TV' branding in the 1990s for its Thursday night lineup (Seinfeld, Friends, ER). The phrase existed before but NBC cemented it in American pop culture.
Cultural Context
Era: 1990s NBC branding
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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