AdverbsHSK 3

Expressing "must" with 必须

必须 is an adverb meaning "must" or "have to," used before a verb to indicate something is necessary or required.

Unlike 一定 (which expresses personal determination), 必须 stresses that an action is obligatory or unavoidable.

Structure

Subj. + 必须 + Verb (+ Object)

Used before verbs for actions that are required.

Subj. + 必须 + Verb Phrase

Can modify longer verb phrases to express necessity.

我们必须在七点以前到机场。
Wǒ men bì xū zài qī diǎn yǐ qián dào jī chǎng.
We must arrive at the airport before seven o'clock.
学中文必须多听多说。
Xué zhōng wén bì xū duō tīng duō shuō.
To learn Chinese, you must listen and speak a lot.
这件事你必须自己做决定。
Zhè jiàn shì nǐ bì xū zì jǐ zuò jué dìng.
You must make this decision yourself.
明天必须完成这些工作。
Míng tiān bì xū wán chéng zhè xiē gōng zuò.
We have to finish this work tomorrow.
他每天必须喝两杯咖啡。
Tā měi tiān bì xū hē liǎng bēi kā fēi.
He has to drink two cups of coffee every day.