“(那是)必须的! ((Nà shì) bìxū de!)” is now a very popular word in the daily life of Chinese that is used to show confirmation. “那 (nà)” means that; “是 (shì)” means is; “必须 (bìxū)” means must; “的 (de)” is a particle. It gained popularity from a catch phrase in Northeast China and was first known in the form of short sketch dialogues. It conveys the same meaning as the English “That’s a must!”
Since the phrase carries a humorous tone when used, it’s gradually gaining popularity in common speech and online communications. The short form “必须的! (Bìxū de!)” is already something of a catch phrase amongst the young, especially in Northeast China. The lighthearted tone it carries and its ability to work as a good icebreaker has been key to its spread all over China, especially between friends, students and acquaintances.
“(那是)必须的! ((Nà shì) bìxū de!)” is an useful and comical language tool to express agreements and sometimes even compliments. It also plays its role in artistic works, such as the famous Chinese TV series 《奋斗》(Fèndòu) Struggle, movies and so on.
Wǒ xiàzhōu jiéhūn, nǐ kě yídìng yào lái o.
1. Selina: 我 下周 结婚，你 可 一定 要 来哦。
Nà shì bìxū de.
Daisy: 那是 必须 的。
Absolutely.
Wǒmen yídìng yào nǔlì zuò hǎo zhè xiàng gōngzuò.
2. Jack: 我们 一定 要 努力做 好 这 项 工作。
We have to try our best to do a good job this time!
Bìxū de!
Tom: 必须的!
It’s a must!
Nǐ zhè shēn yīfu búcuò.
1. Jen: 你 这 身 衣服 不错。
Nà shì bìxū de.
Sara: 那 是 必须 的。
Which of the following is true according to the dialogue?
A. Sara’s dress isn’t very nice.
B. Sara’s dressis nice.
C. Jen doesn’t like Sara’s dress.
Zhōumò wǒ shēngrì party, nǐ lái ma?
2. Lisa: 周末 我 生日 party，你来吗？
Bìxū de.
Emma: 必须的。
Will Emma come to Lisa’s birthday party?
A. Yes B. No
Answers to the practice questions: 1. B 2. A
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