How do you use "should" in a sentence?

You should wear a coat; it is cold outside. The train should arrive in ten minutes. I think you should apply for the job.

should

Q: What does "should" mean?

Used to indicate obligation, expectation, or advice 'Should' is a modal verb expressing advice ('you should see a doctor'), expectation ('they should arrive soon'), or obligation ('you should apologise'). It is softer than 'must' and 'have to'. British English uses 'should' in first-person conditionals ('I should be grateful if...'). Note also 'should have' for past regrets ('I should have called').

Vocabulary Word BritishAmerican ★★★★★ Very Common Neutral

Practice this with flashcards, quizzes & audio on WordLoci →

Meaning: Used to indicate obligation, expectation, or advice

应该，应当

debería, tendría que

〜すべきである、〜はずである

~해야 한다, ~할 것이다

'Should' is a modal verb expressing advice ('you should see a doctor'), expectation ('they should arrive soon'), or obligation ('you should apologise'). It is softer than 'must' and 'have to'. British English uses 'should' in first-person conditionals ('I should be grateful if...'). Note also 'should have' for past regrets ('I should have called').

「should」是情态动词，表示建议、期望或义务。它比「must」和「have to」语气更柔和。注意「should have」用于表示过去的遗憾（'我应该打电话的'）。

«Should» es un verbo modal que expresa consejo, expectativa u obligación. Es más suave que «must» y «have to». Nota también «should have» para arrepentimientos pasados («debería haber llamado»).

「should」はアドバイス、期待、または義務を表す法助動詞です。「must」や「have to」より柔らかい表現です。過去の後悔を表す「should have」（「電話すべきだった」）もあります。

'Should'는 조언('you should see a doctor'), 예상('they should arrive soon'), 의무('you should apologise')를 표현하는 조동사입니다. 'must'나 'have to'보다 부드럽습니다. 영국 영어에서는 1인칭 조건문에 쓰이기도 합니다('I should be grateful if...'). 과거의 후회를 나타내는 'should have'도 있습니다('I should have called').

Examples

You should wear a coat; it is cold outside.
你应该穿件外套；外面很冷。
Deberías ponerte un abrigo; hace frío fuera.
コートを着たほうがいいですよ。外は寒いですから。
코트를 입는 게 좋겠어요. 밖이 추우니까요.
The train should arrive in ten minutes.
火车应该在十分钟后到达。
El tren debería llegar en diez minutos.
電車は10分後に到着するはずです。
기차가 10분 후에 도착할 겁니다.
I think you should apply for the job.
我觉得你应该申请那份工作。
Creo que deberías solicitar el trabajo.
その仕事に応募したほうがいいと思う。
그 일자리에 지원하는 게 좋겠다고 생각해요.

Pronunciation

Usage Guide

Context: general

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Old English 'scolde', past tense of 'sculan' (to owe, to be obligated), from Proto-Germanic *skulaną. Originally expressed duty or debt; the 'l' was once pronounced before becoming silent.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal