应该

• 拼音: yīng gāi
• 汉字拆解: 应 = 广 (shelter) + simplified interior, meaning 'to respond/should'; 该 = 讠 (speech) + 亥 (phonetic), meaning 'ought to'

含义

Should; ought to. Expresses that something is expected, appropriate, or recommended.

One of the most common modal verbs in Chinese. Used to give advice, express obligation, or state what is expected. Can also express a reasonable guess: 他应该快到了 (He should be arriving soon). Slightly softer than 必须 (must).

例句

1. 你应该多喝水。
2. 我们应该早点出发。
3. 天这么冷，你应该穿厚一点。

用法指南

语境: everyday, advice, conversation

语气: advisory

正确说法

• 你应该早点休息。(You should rest earlier.)
• 他应该已经到了。(He should have arrived by now.)

错误说法

• 你应该必须去。(Don't stack 应该 with 必须 — choose one. 应该 is 'should' and 必须 is 'must.')

起源与历史

Compound of 应 (should/respond) and 该 (should/ought to). Both characters independently carry a sense of obligation, combined for emphasis.

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal