About
必 now resembles the heart radical 心 with a diagonal stroke, but this similarity is a coincidental result of simplification. Its true origin is a pictograph of a weapon handle (now written 柲), like 戈 without the blade; the element 八 was later added as a decorative mark. The current meanings 'must' and 'certainly' are phonetic loans, unrelated to the original image. Today, 必 functions as an auxiliary verb and adverb to stress that an action must be taken or that a result is beyond doubt.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
你必须努力学习。
这是一项必须完成的任务。
每天练习是进步的必要条件。
这场决赛必定非常精彩。
他未必会同意这个计划。
这其中的必然性值得研究。
诚实是为人处世的必备品质。
从长远看，合作互利是必然的趋势。
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