dapat
dápat with stress marks
should; must
Usage Note
Dapat is used to express obligation, necessity, or advice and is typically placed before the main verb. It is the most common way to say 'should' or 'must' in daily Filipino conversations and instructions.
Examples
" Dapat kang matulog na. "
Natural Translation
You should sleep now.
Literal Translation
Should you sleep now.
" Dapat tayong magtulungan. "
Natural Translation
We must help each other.
Literal Translation
Must we help each other.
" Bago ka magdesisyon, dapat mong pag-isipang mabuti kung ano ang magiging epekto nito sa iba. "
Natural Translation
Before you make a decision, you should think carefully about what its effect will be on others.
Literal Translation
Before you decide, should you think-about well what the will-become effect of-this on others.
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