应该 (yīnggāi) — should; ought to
HSK 3 | modal verb | expressing obligation, expectation, or what is proper
应该 (yīnggāi)
应该 is a modal verb expressing what one ought to do, what is expected, or what is proper under the circumstances.
Meanings
- [modal verb] should; ought to; be supposed to
Example Sentences
你应该多喝水，这对身体好。 Nǐ yīnggāi duō hē shuǐ, zhè duì shēntǐ hǎo. You should drink more water; it is good for your health.
学生应该按时完成作业。 Xuésheng yīnggāi ànshí wánchéng zuòyè. Students should complete their homework on time.
这件事你应该告诉老师。 Zhè jiàn shì nǐ yīnggāi gàosù lǎoshī. You should tell the teacher about this matter.
他已经到了，应该在楼上。 Tā yǐjīng dào le, yīnggāi zài lóu shàng. He has already arrived; he should be upstairs.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 应该做 | should do |
| 不应该 | should not; ought not |
| 本来应该 | was supposed to |
| 应该没问题 | should be no problem |
Memory Hook
应 means "to respond/comply" and 该 means "should/due" — 应该 is what you are due to comply with, what is expected of you.