应
yīng, yìng
Description
"应"有两个读音：读 yīng 的时候，常常表示"应该"，比如"你应该早点睡"。
"应" has two pronunciations: when read as yīng, it often means "should," as in "你应该早点睡" (You should go to bed earlier).
读 yìng 的时候，意思是"回答"或者"答应"，比如"我叫他，他没有应"。
When read as yìng, "应" means "to respond" or "to agree," as in "我叫他，他没有应" (I called him, but he didn't respond).
Meanings
应yīng
should; ought to
这件事应早点做完。
This matter should be finished earlier.
应yìng
to respond; to answer
我叫了半天，没有人应。
I called for a long time, but no one responded.
应yìng
to agree; to comply with
他应了我的要求。
He agreed to my request.
Related words
Notes
- Etymology
originally means 'respond'; the 'should' sense developed from the idea of what one is obliged to answer to.
- Nuance
yīng = ought to; yìng = to respond or agree — same character, different tones.
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