Keywords: bixu Chinese, 必须 meaning, Chinese for must, have to in Chinese, Chinese modal verbs, bìxū grammar, necessity in Chinese, difference between bixu and dei, HSK 3 grammar, Chinese obligation.
Summary: Learn how to use “必须” (bìxū), the essential Chinese word for “must” or “have to.” This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context, and practical use in daily life. Understand how `必须` conveys a strong, non-negotiable obligation, and learn how to distinguish it from similar words like `得` (děi) and `应该` (yīnggāi) with clear examples and analysis for beginner to intermediate learners.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): bìxū
Part of Speech: Modal Verb / Adverb
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: “Must” or “have to,” expressing an unavoidable necessity or a strong, objective obligation.
In a Nutshell: `必须` is your go-to word when something is not optional. It's used for rules, laws, logical requirements, and situations where there is no other choice. Think of it as the voice of authority or circumstance telling you what is required. It's less about personal desire (“I want to”) and all about external compulsion (“I am required to”).
Character Breakdown
必 (bì): This character means “certainly,” “surely,” or “must.” You can picture it as a heart (心) with a slash (丿), suggesting a heart that has made a firm, unchangeable decision or a singular, determined focus.
须 (xū): While this character originally meant “beard,” in classical Chinese and in modern compounds, it took on the meaning of “must,” “to need,” or “to be necessary.”
When combined, 必须 (bìxū) literally means “certainly must.” The two characters reinforce each other to create a powerful and formal sense of absolute, non-negotiable necessity.
Cultural Context and Significance
`必须` taps into cultural values that emphasize duty, responsibility, and adherence to rules. In a society where fulfilling one's obligations—to family, work, or the community—is highly valued, `必须` is a word that carries significant weight. It's the language of expectations, whether it's the expectation that you 必须 孝顺父母 (bìxū xiàoshùn fùmǔ - must be filial to your parents) or that you 必须 完成任务 (bìxū wánchéng rènwù - must complete the task).
Comparison to Western “Must”: In English, “I must” can sometimes be internal and personal (“I really must go on a diet”). `必须` is almost always tied to an external, objective reason. It implies that a rule, a law, a logical consequence, or a superior's order is compelling the action. Using `必须` for a purely personal goal can sound overly dramatic; for that, a word like `得 (děi)` or `要 (yào)` is often more natural. `必须` is the language of structure and requirement, not just strong personal intention.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`必须` is common in both formal and serious informal contexts. It's direct and unambiguous.
Rules and Instructions: You'll see and hear it everywhere on signs, in announcements, and for regulations.
“进入工地必须戴安全帽。” (Jìnrù gōngdì bìxū dài ānquánmào.) - “Must wear a safety helmet when entering the construction site.”
Work and Academic Settings: It's used for deadlines, requirements, and responsibilities that are non-negotiable.
“这份报告明天早上必须交。” (Zhè fèn bàogào míngtiān zǎoshang bìxū jiāo.) - “This report must be handed in tomorrow morning.”
Giving Strong Advice: When advising a friend, using `必须` elevates your suggestion to a serious, almost critical, necessity. It implies a negative consequence if the advice is ignored.
“你病得这么重，必须去看医生！” (Nǐ bìng de zhème zhòng, bìxū qù kàn yīshēng!) - “You're so sick, you must go see a doctor!”
Example Sentences
Example 1:
你必须在十点前完成作业。
Pinyin: Nǐ bìxū zài shí diǎn qián wánchéng zuòyè.
English: You must finish your homework before 10 o'clock.
Analysis: A clear instruction from a parent or teacher. The deadline is firm and not a suggestion.
Example 2:
所有的乘客必须系好安全带。
Pinyin: Suǒyǒu de chéngkè bìxū xì hǎo ānquándài.
English: All passengers must fasten their seatbelts.
Analysis: This is a rule or regulation, a typical use case for `必须`. It's an objective requirement for safety.
English: In order to catch the plane, we must leave right now.
Analysis: The circumstance (the flight time) creates the obligation. The necessity is imposed by an external factor.
Example 8:
进入图书馆必须保持安静。
Pinyin: Jìnrù túshūguǎn bìxū bǎochí ānjìng.
English: You must remain quiet upon entering the library.
Analysis: A classic example of a posted rule. `必须` is standard for this kind of formal instruction.
Example 9:
我必须承认，我错了。
Pinyin: Wǒ bìxū chéngrèn, wǒ cuò le.
English: I must admit, I was wrong.
Analysis: In this context, `必须` implies a moral or logical obligation to be honest. The speaker feels compelled by conscience or evidence to admit their mistake.
Example 10:
我们必须尊重每个人的选择。
Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū zūnzhòng měi ge rén de xuǎnzé.
English: We must respect everyone's choices.
Analysis: This expresses a strong moral or ethical principle. It's framed as a fundamental requirement for social harmony.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`必须` (bìxū) vs. `得` (děi): This is the most common point of confusion.
`必须` (bìxū): More formal, stronger, and emphasizes objective necessity from rules, logic, or authority.
Correct: 法律规定，你必须纳税。(Fǎlǜ guīdìng, nǐ bìxū nàshuì.) - The law stipulates you must pay taxes.
`得` (děi): More colloquial/spoken, can express both objective and subjective necessity.
Correct: 我有点儿饿了，我得吃点东西。(Wǒ yǒudiǎnr è le, wǒ děi chī diǎn dōngxi.) - I'm a bit hungry, I have to eat something.
Mistake: Using `必须` for a minor, personal need. Saying “我必须吃点东西” (Wǒ bìxū chī diǎn dōngxi) sounds overly dramatic, as if a doctor ordered you to eat immediately. `得` is much more natural here.
`必须` (bìxū) vs. `应该` (yīnggāi):
`必须` = must (a requirement).
`应该` = should (a suggestion, a moral obligation).
Mistake: Using `应该` when a rule is being stated.
Incorrect: 乘客~~应该~~系好安全带。 (This sounds like a weak suggestion, not a rule).
Correct: 乘客必须系好安全带。(This is a firm rule).
`必须` (bìxū) vs. `一定` (yídìng):
`必须` expresses an obligation to do something.
`一定` expresses certainty or a promise that something will happen or that one will do something. It's about determination, not external requirement.
Compare:
我必须去。 (Wǒ bìxū qù.) - I must go. (Because of a rule or obligation).
我一定去。 (Wǒ yídìng qù.) - I will definitely go. (It's my promise/strong intention).
Related Terms and Concepts
得 (děi) - A more common and colloquial “have to,” used frequently in spoken Chinese for both objective and subjective needs.
应该 (yīnggāi) - Means “should” or “ought to.” It's a suggestion or moral advice, much weaker than `必须`.
需要 (xūyào) - Means “to need” or “to require.” It focuses on a lack that needs fulfilling, rather than an order that needs following. (e.g., 我需要水 - I need water).
一定 (yídìng) - An adverb meaning “definitely” or “certainly.” It expresses a strong intention, a promise, or a high degree of certainty, not an obligation.
不得不 (bùdébù) - “To have no choice but to…” It emphasizes a reluctant necessity or being forced into an action against one's will.
务必 (wùbì) - A very formal and written version of “must.” You often see it in official notices or serious instructions, meaning “must be sure to…”
必要 (bìyào) - An adjective meaning “necessary” or “essential.” (e.g., 这是必要的步骤 - This is a necessary step).
不必 (búbì) - The direct negative of `必须`, meaning “need not” or “it's not necessary to.”