must
word
/ˈməst/
MUHST
/mˈʌst/
MUST
Definition
Used to express necessity, obligation, or strong recommendation. It can also indicate something that is logically certain.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. Often appears in negative form ('must not') to mean prohibition. Learners sometimes confuse 'must' (strong obligation) with 'have to' (external obligation). Do not use 'must' in past tense; use 'had to' instead.
Spanish: deber - tener que - haber quePortuguese (BR): dever - ter que - haver dePortuguese (PT): dever - ter queChinese (Simplified): 必须 - 应该Chinese (Traditional): 必須 - 應該Hindi: जरूर करना - चाहिएArabic: يجب - لابدBengali: অবশ্যই - উচিত - জরুরিRussian: должен - нужно - обязанJapanese: なければならない - べきVietnamese: phải - cầnKorean: 반드시 - 꼭 - 해야 한다Turkish: zorunda - gerekli - şartUrdu: لازمی ہے - ضروری ہے - ہونا چاہیےIndonesian: harus - mesti
Example Sentences
You must wear a seatbelt in the car.
basic
Students must complete their homework.
basic
You must not smoke here.
basic
You must try this cake, it’s delicious!
natural
There must be a mistake in the bill.
natural
I must say, that movie was amazing!
natural