About
The simplified character 该 originates from the traditional form 該, composed of the semantic radical 言 (speech) and the phonetic component 亥. The radical 言 hints at its original meaning related to verbal agreements, particularly military pacts or comprehensive contracts. Over time, the character's usage shifted, and it is now primarily employed as an auxiliary verb to express obligation or necessity. In formal contexts, it also functions as a demonstrative pronoun meaning "the aforementioned" or "that specific one", a usage that has fully detached from its initial associations with agreements.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
你现在该休息了。
我们该学习新知识了。
他该为自己的行为负责。
你觉得我该怎么做？
该公司的业绩很好。
根据规定，该员工应该得到奖励。
如果天气不好，该活动可能会取消。
鉴于当前形势，该地区采取了紧急措施。