bit1 seoi1必須必须
Jyutpingbit1 seoi1
Yalebīt sēui
Definition
Must; to have to; to be required to do something.
writtendaily actionswork
How it's used
Carries a formal and authoritative tone, often appearing in written notices, rules, or official instructions. In casual daily speech, native speakers overwhelmingly prefer using 要 or 一定要 to express necessity. Using this word in a friendly conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a manual or acting like a strict authority figure.
Examples
You must keep quiet when entering the library.
Does this document have to be handed to him today?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often overuse this word in informal settings where it sounds stiff or unnatural. It is not a direct substitute for the common spoken 要 in everyday requests or personal plans.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
