HSK 3 · VERSION 2.0#47
Expressing “Should” with “yīnggāi / gāi”
应该 / 该
How it works
应该 and 该 mean “should” or “ought to.”
The pattern
Subject + 应该 / 该 + Verb
Example sentences
你应该多练习汉语。
You should practice Chinese more.
我们该走了。
We should go now.
生病了就应该去看医生。
If you are sick, you should see a doctor.
Usage note
应该 is more explicit. 该 is shorter and often more spoken.