需 + 动词
need to; have to (formal, before a verb)
Structure
主语 需 动作 · 无需／不需 动作
What it means
“Need to; have to” in formal writing: the one-syllable form of 需要, used before a verb in notices, rules and news.
How it is built
Subject + 需 + verb phrase; negatives 无需／不需: 申领人需提供出生医学证明 (applicants need to provide the birth certificate). 本次活动无需报名 (no registration needed).
When to use it
Notices and rules: 需提前预约, 需持身份证办理. In speech say 需要. 须 (also xū, 5-3) means “must” and is stronger: 必须, 须遵守.
Watch out
Before a plain noun use 需要. ✗ 我需钱 ✓ 我需要钱 (set phrases such as 急需资金 and 所需材料 are the exception). Don't mix up 需 (need) and 须 (must).
Examples
申领人需提供出生医学证明和户口簿。
Applicants need to provide the birth certificate and the household register.
本次活动无需报名，市民可直接入场。
No registration is needed for this event; the public can go straight in.
乘坐国际航班的旅客需提前三小时到达机场。
Passengers on international flights should arrive at the airport three hours early.
Learn this in Lesson 113 · HSK 7–9: 育儿补贴来了 (Livelihood news: the new childcare subsidy)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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