🙋✔️❓🗣️➡️

How to Say ‘I should have asked you first.’ in Traditional Chinese

我應該先問你一聲。

wǒ yīng gāi xiān wèn nǐ yī shēng

[wo yīng gāi shyen wèn nǐ ee shēng]

💬 Usage Tip: 應該 can look back as well as forward. Here context makes it "should have", and Chinese needs no extra past-tense word to show that.

Phrase Breakdown

我應該

wǒ yīng gāi

I should have

應該 (yīnggāi) means 'should'. It is two first tones, so keep them high and level.

Example

我應該早點來。

I should have come earlier.

Words in this phrase

我

wǒ

[wo]

I; me

The first-person pronoun used to talk about yourself.

Example

我想多了解你們公司的制度，所以先自我介紹。

I want to learn more about your company’s system, so I’ll introduce myself first.

應該

yīng gāi

[yīng gāi]

should

Indicates a recommendation or obligation.

Example

你應該告訴司機。

You should tell the driver.

先問你一聲。

xiān wèn nǐ yī shēng

asked you first

This is a polite apology for not checking first.

Example

出門前先問你一聲。

I'll check with you before going out.

Words in this phrase

先

xiān

[shyen]

first; in advance

Indicates doing something first, before another action. Useful in planning or polite requests.

Example

我先訂位，晚一點再確認人數。

I'll make the reservation first, then confirm the number of people later.

問

wèn

[wèn]

ask

To put a question to someone.

Example

我想問你一個問題。

I want to ask you a question.

你

nǐ

[nǐ]

you

Refers to the person being spoken to.

Example

你今天看起來很高興。

You look happy today.

一

yī

[ee]

one; a

A number word that helps form the phrase for category.

Example

你想找哪一類工作？

What kind of job do you want to look for?

聲

shēng

[shēng]

sound; a word (measure for utterances)

In 一聲, means a quick word or mention.

Example

出門前說一聲。

Let me know before you go out.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Spent three months in Taiwan and this app was my lifeline. The tonal practice with real situations helped me sound less like a textbook and more like a person.”

Laura H., 28, Photographer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer