Learning how to use 得 to mean "must" must be done by those
wishing to master Chinese!
Structure
Normally when you see 得 it's a particle and is pronounced "de."
However, it can also be an auxiliary verb. In this case it's pronounced
děi and means "must."
Examples
- 时间 不 早 了，我 得 回家 了。Shíjiān bù zǎo
le, wǒ děi huíjiā le.It's
getting late. I have to go home.
- 你 病 得 太 严重 了，得去 看 医生。Nǐ bìng de
tài yánzhòng le, děi qù kàn yīshēng.You are badly ill. You need to go see a doctor.
- 朋友们 都 在 等，我们 得 走 了。Péngyǒumen dōu
zài děng, wǒmen děi zǒu le.Our
friends are waiting, we need to go.
- 这个 方法 不行，你 得 换 个 方法。 Zhège fāngfǎ
bùxíng, nǐ děi huàn gè fāngfǎ .This way doesn't work. You need to find another
way.
- 我 没带 钥匙 ，你 得 回来 帮我 开门。 Wǒ méi dài
yàoshi, nǐ děi huílái bāng wǒ kāimén.I forgot my keys. You need to come back to help me open the
door.
See also
Sources and further
reading
Videos
Books
Category:B1 grammar points