HSK 4 · VERSION 2.0#53
Expressing “Must” with “děi”
得
How it works
得 (děi) means “must,” “have to,” or “need to.” It is used when something is necessary.
It is very common in spoken Chinese.
The pattern
Subject + 得 (děi) + Verb Phrase
Example sentences
我今天得早点回家。
I have to go home earlier today.
这件事你得自己决定。
You must decide this matter yourself.
下雨了，我们得带伞。
It is raining, so we have to bring umbrellas.
Key point
This 得 (děi) is a modal verb. It is different from:
得 (de) in 跑得快 (pǎo de kuài)
得 (dé) meaning “obtain”