Meaning
应当 is a modal auxiliary verb expressing obligation, duty, or what is appropriate according to rules, norms, or morality. It indicates something that should be done based on reason, logic, or social expectations, and is slightly more formal than 应该.
Usage
应当 is commonly used in formal contexts, written language, legal texts, and official documents. It's interchangeable with 应该 in many contexts, but 应当 carries a stronger sense of duty or moral obligation. Native speakers use it when discussing responsibilities, proper conduct, or what reason dictates should happen.
Examples
- 01我们应当尊重他人的意见。.We should respect other people's opinions.
- 02作为公民，你应当遵守法律。, .As a citizen, you ought to obey the law.
Characters
Common collocations
- 应当承担should bear/undertake
- 理应当reasonably should
- 不应当should not
Antonyms
Origin
应 originally meant 'to respond' or 'to answer to,' while 当 means 'to serve as' or 'to face.' Together they form a compound meaning 'to respond to what is proper' or 'to act as one should,' creating the sense of obligation or duty.