Definition
必须 (bìxū) is a formal, written adverb meaning 'must, have to' — it expresses a strong obligation, often from rules or requirements. It is more formal than the colloquial 得 (děi) and expresses obligation rather than the certainty of 一定 (yīdìng). 必须 is negated with 不必 or 不用.
adverb
musthave tobe required to
Easily confused
- 必需bì xūsound-aliketo need; to require; to be essential (as a verb)
Examples
- 必须。Nǐ bì xū xiān wánchéng zuòyè zài wán.You must finish your homework before you play.
- 必须。Wǒmen bì xū zài bā diǎn qián dào xuéxiào.We must arrive at school before eight o'clock.
- ，。Tā bú bì xū qù, tā kěyǐ zìjǐ juédìng.He doesn't have to go; he can decide for himself.
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