应
当

About

The word "应当" is formed by combining the characters "应" and "当". "应" meaning "should" or "respond" originates from a pictograph representing agreement, while "当" meaning "to be" or "appropriate" derives from a symbol depicting balance. Their semantic combination yields a compound word expressing obligation or necessity, thus meaning "should" or "ought to".

Example Sentences Hide

我们应当早睡早起。

wǒ men yīng dāng zǎo shuì zǎo qǐ。

We should go to bed early and get up early.

学生应当尊敬老师。

xué sheng yīng dāng zūn jìng lǎo shī。

Students should respect their teachers.

每个公民都应当遵守法律。

měi gè gōng mín dōu yīng dāng zūn shǒu fǎ lǜ。

Every citizen should obey the law.

保护环境是我们应当承担的责任。

bǎo hù huán jìng shì wǒ men yīng dāng chéng dān de zé rèn。

Protecting the environment is a responsibility we ought to bear.

如果你犯了错，就应当勇敢地道歉。

rú guǒ nǐ fàn le cuò, jiù yīng dāng yǒng gǎn de dào qiàn。

If you make a mistake, you ought to apologize bravely.

Word Definition - 应当

yīng dāng should; ought to

Individual Character Details

应 yīng, yīng, yìng
当 dāng, dāng, dàng