This word “should” has a lot of meanings. Firstly, it means “must”, e.g. “you should be here on time.” Besides, it can mean probably or likely, e.g. "we should be finished by eight". It has other functions as well but the first example, to express obligation, is the most commonly used one.

　　　

“should”这个词有很多意思。首先，它可以表达“必须”的意思，例如，“you should be here on time（你必须准点来）”。它还可以表示“大概”或“可能”的意思，例如，“we should be finished by eight（我们应该可以在8点以前完成）”。它也有其它用法，不过第一个表示责任的例子却是其最常见的用法。 　　When using it in this way the speaker needs to be aware that this is quite strong, seems somewhat demanding and might be interpreted as an order. When wishing to suggest something to someone it is best not to use "should". "Should" indicates that something is mandatory. For example, "you should go to bed earlier", sounds like an order. Whereas, if you say, "it would probably be best if you went to bed earlier", or "why not get to bed earlier", it is more like a suggestion and sounds softer. 　　如果要使用这一用法，那么说话者就需要意识到，这是一个语气很重的词，似乎有点命令式的意味，可能被理解为一种命令。当你想向某人建议什么的时候，最好不要使用“should”。“should”表明的是某事是必须做的。例如，“you should go to bed earlier（你应该早点睡觉）”听着像一个命令。但是，如果你说，“it would probably be best if you went to bed earlier（如果你能早点睡觉，那也许最好不过了）”或“why not get to bed earlier（为什么不早点睡觉呢）”，这更像一个建议，语气更缓和。 　　This doesn't mean you should avoid saying "should". When you want to express that something is obligatory then it is perfectly acceptable to employ it. Just remember it is not very appropriate for making suggestions. The following are a few examples of how to make suggestions without sounding like a bossy boots. 　　这并不意味着你应该避免使用“should”这个词。当你想表达必须做某事的意思时，使用这个词是完全可以被接受的。只是要记住，在提建议时用这个词是非常不合适的。以下是一些如何提出建议的例句，使用这些句子就不会给人造成爱发号施令的感觉。 　　* Why don't you...? 　　* You could... 　　* Let's... 　　* What about...? 　　* How about...?