The Chinese word "必須" (bìxū)

 The Chinese word "必須" (bìxū) means "must," "have to," "be obliged to," or "it is essential to." It conveys a strong sense of necessity or obligation.

Here's how to use it, along with examples:

Basic Usage

"必須" is typically placed before a verb or a verb phrase to indicate that an action is necessary or obligatory.

Structure: Subject + 必須 + Verb / Verb Phrase

Example:

• 我必須學習。(Wǒ bìxū xuéxí.)
  • I must study.
• 你必須完成作業。(Nǐ bìxū wánchéng zuòyè.)
  • You must complete the homework.
• 我們必須遵守交通規則。(Wǒmen bìxū zūnshǒu jiāotōng guīzé.)
  • We must obey traffic rules.

Emphasizing Necessity or Requirement

It can be used to emphasize that something is an absolute requirement or a non-negotiable condition.

Example:

• 所有申請者必須具備大學學歷。(Suǒyǒu shēnqǐngzhě bìxū jùbèi dàxué xuélì.)
  • All applicants must have a university degree.
• 這個工作必須在今天完成。(Zhège gōngzuò bìxū zài jīntiān wánchéng.)
  • This work must be completed today.

In Negative Sentences (Less Common, but Possible)

While "必須" itself expresses obligation, if you want to say "must not," you would typically use "不許" (bù xǔ), "不准" (bù zhǔn), or "不能" (bù néng) in a prohibitive sense. However, if you want to express that something doesn't have to be or isn't necessarily something, you might structure it differently, or simply not use "必須."

If "必須" is directly negated with "不" (bù), it implies "not necessarily" or "it's not a must," which is less common for "必須" than for similar words like "需要" (xūyào - need).

Example (less common for direct negation of obligation, more like "not necessarily"):

• 這並不必須。(Zhè bìng bù bìxū.)
  • This is not necessarily a must. (Implies it's not absolutely required, rather than forbidden).

Difference from Similar Words

While "必須" expresses strong necessity, it's useful to know its nuances compared to other similar words:

• 必須 (bìxū): Strongest sense of obligation or necessity. "Must," "have to," "it is essential." Often implies a rule, regulation, or a critical condition.

  • 你必須準時到達。(Nǐ bìxū zhǔnshí dàodá.) - You must arrive on time. (Strong obligation)

• 需要 (xūyào): "Need," "require." Less strong than "必須." It can express a general need or a desire.

  • 我需要休息。(Wǒ xūyào xiūxí.) - I need to rest. (General need)
  • 你需要注意安全。(Nǐ xūyào zhùyì ānquán.) - You need to pay attention to safety. (Suggestion/requirement, but not as absolute as 必須)

• 應該 (yīnggāi): "Should," "ought to." Expresses advice, suggestion, or moral obligation. Weaker than "必須."

  • 你應該多喝水。(Nǐ yīnggāi duō hē shuǐ.) - You should drink more water. (Advice)

• 得 (děi): "Have to," "must" (colloquial). Similar to "必須" but often used in informal speech. It often implies a practical necessity or constraint.

  • 我得走了。(Wǒ děi zǒule.) - I have to go. (Colloquial, practical necessity)

Summary of "必須" Usage

• Strong obligation/necessity.
• Always placed before a verb or verb phrase.
• Common in formal contexts, rules, requirements.
• Not typically used for polite suggestions or general needs (for those, use 應該 or 需要).

By understanding these points and practicing with examples, you'll be able to use "必須" effectively in your Chinese communication.