How to say “had better” in Chinese with 最好 (zuìhǎo)
Subj. + 最好 (zuìhǎo) + Verb Phrase
Expressing "it would be best / preferably" with "最好 (zuìhǎo)"
Subj. + 最好 (zuìhǎo) + Verb Phrase
HSK 4AdverbsExpressing "it would be best / preferably" with "最好 (zuìhǎo)"
Rule structure
最好 (zuìhǎo) means "had better, it’s best to". It gives strong advice. Unlike 还是 (háishi), it does not require 吧 (ba) and is more direct.
Rule structure
最好 (zuìhǎo) means "had better, it’s best to". It gives strong advice. Unlike 还是 (háishi), it does not require 吧 (ba) and is more direct.
Examples
你最好早点睡。
Nǐ zuìhǎo zǎodiǎn shuì.
You'd better go to sleep earlier.
Examples
你最好早点睡。
Nǐ zuìhǎo zǎodiǎn shuì.
You'd better go to sleep earlier.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you express “Expressing "it would be best / preferably" with "最好 (zuìhǎo)"” in Chinese?
Use the structure: Subj. + 最好 (zuìhǎo) + Verb Phrase. For example: 你最好早点睡。 — “You'd better go to sleep earlier.”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
你最好早点睡。 — “You'd better go to sleep earlier.”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 4.
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More HSK 4 grammar rules
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Coincidence with "正好 (zhènghǎo)"
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Using "也 (yě)" and "都 (dōu)" together
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Expressing "in the end" with "究竟 (jiūjìng)"
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Expressing "never / ever in negative contexts" with "从来 (cónglái)"
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