How to Express Obligation and Necessity in Cantonese

Understanding Obligation and Necessity in Cantonese

In Cantonese, expressing obligation and necessity can help convey essential actions or duties that need to be performed. It adds clarity and urgency to communication, allowing speakers to express commitment or requirements succinctly.

Using '要' (yiu) for General Necessity

The character '要' (jìu) is commonly used to express a need or requirement. It functions similarly to 'need to' or 'have to' in English. For instance:

Expressing Obligation with '必須' (bit sēui)

Another way to express necessity in Cantonese is by using '必須' (bit sēui), which carries a stronger sense of obligation, akin to 'must' in English.

Using '應該' (yīng gōi) for Mild Obligation

'應該' (yīng gōi) is used to suggest what is right or correct, similar to 'should' in English. It indicates a recommendation rather than a strict obligation.

Practicing with Real Conversations

To master expressing obligation and necessity in Cantonese, practice by listening to native speakers and mimicking their sentences. This helps in understanding the nuances of each expression and improves overall communication skills.