该

gāi

HSK 3, 6

该 — gāi

1. should; ought to (expressing duty or advisability)

   你该去看医生了。 nǐ gāi qù kàn yīshēng le — You should go see a doctor.

2. probably; must be (expressing inference or high probability)

   他现在该在家吧？ tā xiànzài gāi zàijiā ba — He is probably at home now, right?

3. to deserve; to merit

   他为此付出了很多，真该得到表扬。 tā wèicǐ fùchū le hěnduō zhēn gāi dédào biǎoyáng — He worked hard for this and truly deserves praise.

4. to owe (as in owing money or obligation)

   他还该公司一笔钱没还清。 tā hái gāi gōngsī yībǐ qián méi huánqīng — He still owes the company a sum of money that hasn't been repaid.

5. to be someone's turn to do something; to be due

   今天该你洗碗了。 jīntiān gāi nǐ xǐwǎn le — It's your turn to wash the dishes today.

6. that; the above-mentioned (demonstrative or referring to previously mentioned thing/person)

   该条款已在合同中列出。 gāi tiáokuǎn yǐ zài hétóng zhōng lièchū — The above clause is listed in the contract.