B2 Expression Formal 3 min read

不容忽视的是

bù róng hū shì de shì

What cannot be ignored is

Literally: Not allow ignore [particle] is

In 15 Seconds

  • Highlights a crucial point that others might miss.
  • Best for professional meetings, essays, or serious advice.
  • Adds weight and authority to your observations.

Meaning

This phrase is used to introduce a crucial point or a hidden fact that needs serious attention. It’s like saying, 'Don't overlook this—it's actually a big deal!'

Key Examples

3 of 7
1

In a business meeting about a new product

虽然产品很漂亮,但不容忽视的是,我们的成本太高了。

Although the product is beautiful, what cannot be ignored is that our costs are too high.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
2

Discussing health with a friend

你想减肥,但不容忽视的是,睡眠质量也同样重要。

You want to lose weight, but what cannot be ignored is that sleep quality is just as important.

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3

Writing a formal email about a project delay

不容忽视的是,最近的天气确实影响了施工进度。

What cannot be ignored is that the recent weather has indeed affected the construction progress.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

Frequently used in government documents ({公文|gōngwén}) and 'People's Daily' editorials to signal the state's stance on critical issues. Common in academic circles and serious talk shows (like those discussing cross-strait relations or tech industry trends). Used in formal Cantonese writing (Standard Written Chinese) in news reports about housing or financial markets. In multinational corporations in China, this phrase is a 'power move' in meetings to show you have a strategic mindset.

🎯

The 'But' Combo

Pair it with '{但是|dànshì}' or '{然而|rán'ér}' for maximum impact. 'However, what cannot be ignored is...'

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use it more than twice in one essay, it loses its power. Save it for your strongest point.

In 15 Seconds

  • Highlights a crucial point that others might miss.
  • Best for professional meetings, essays, or serious advice.
  • Adds weight and authority to your observations.

What It Means

不容忽视的是 is your go-to phrase for bringing up a heavy-hitter point. It literally translates to 'what cannot be ignored is.' Think of it as a spotlight. You’ve been talking about a topic, and now you want to point the light at a specific, vital detail. It tells your listener, 'Hey, pay attention, this part is non-negotiable.'

How To Use It

You usually place this right at the start of a sentence or after a comma to pivot. It functions as a logical bridge. For example, if you're discussing a new job, you might say, 'The salary is great, but 不容忽视的是 (what cannot be ignored is) the long commute.' It sets up the 'but' or the 'and' with a lot more gravity than a simple 但是 (but).

When To Use It

Use this when you want to sound thoughtful and thorough. It’s perfect for business meetings, writing emails, or having a 'real talk' with a friend about their life choices. It shows you’ve looked at the big picture. If you're analyzing a problem, this phrase makes you sound like the smartest person in the room. It’s the linguistic equivalent of putting on a pair of glasses to look closer at the fine print.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this in super casual, high-energy settings. If you’re at a karaoke bar and someone asks why you aren't singing, don't say, '不容忽视的是 I have a sore throat.' You’ll sound like a textbook or a news anchor. It’s also a bit too heavy for tiny, trivial things. Don't use it to point out that there's a tiny crumb on someone's shirt—unless that crumb is actually a giant beetle.

Cultural Background

Chinese rhetoric often emphasizes holistic thinking. In debate or formal writing, it's important to show you've considered every angle. Using 不容忽视的是 demonstrates that you aren't just looking at the surface. It reflects a cultural value of being 'shèn zhòng' (慎重) or cautious and deliberate in one's conclusions. It’s a staple of Chinese editorials and news broadcasts.

Common Variations

You might also hear 不可忽视的是 (bùkě hūshì de shì), which is almost identical but slightly less 'forceful' than 不容 (which implies 'not permitted'). Another one is 值得注意的是 (zhídé zhùyì de shì), which means 'what is worth noting is.' Use 值得注意 if you want to be a little softer and less dramatic.

Usage Notes

This is a B2-level transition phrase. It leans toward formal/professional registers. Use it to introduce a 'hard truth' or a critical analytical point.

🎯

The 'But' Combo

Pair it with '{但是|dànshì}' or '{然而|rán'ér}' for maximum impact. 'However, what cannot be ignored is...'

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use it more than twice in one essay, it loses its power. Save it for your strongest point.

Examples

7
#1 In a business meeting about a new product
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

虽然产品很漂亮,但不容忽视的是,我们的成本太高了。

Although the product is beautiful, what cannot be ignored is that our costs are too high.

Here it pivots from a positive aesthetic to a harsh financial reality.

#2 Discussing health with a friend
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

你想减肥,但不容忽视的是,睡眠质量也同样重要。

You want to lose weight, but what cannot be ignored is that sleep quality is just as important.

Used to give well-rounded, serious health advice.

#3 Writing a formal email about a project delay
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

不容忽视的是,最近的天气确实影响了施工进度。

What cannot be ignored is that the recent weather has indeed affected the construction progress.

Provides a formal justification for a problem.

#4 Texting a friend about a potential date
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

他确实很帅,但不容忽视的是,他居然不爱吃火锅!

He is indeed handsome, but what cannot be ignored is that he actually doesn't like hotpot!

Using a formal phrase for a 'deal-breaker' adds a touch of dramatic humor.

#5 A parent talking to a child about their future
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孩子,不容忽视的是,你的努力才是成功的关键。

Child, what cannot be ignored is that your hard work is the key to success.

Adds a sense of gravity and wisdom to the statement.

#6 Discussing city life
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

城市生活很方便,但不容忽视的是,这里的空气质量比较差。

City life is convenient, but what cannot be ignored is that the air quality here is quite poor.

A standard way to balance pros and cons in a discussion.

#7 In a movie review
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

这部电影特效很好,但不容忽视的是,剧情逻辑有很多漏洞。

This movie has great special effects, but what cannot be ignored is that there are many holes in the plot logic.

Used to provide a balanced critique.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to emphasize the importance of 'safety'.

{在|zài}{这|zhè}{次|cì}{实验|shíyàn}{中|zhōng},_____{安全|ānquán}{问题|wèntí}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

We need the full phrase including '是' to link to the noun phrase '安全问题'.

Which sentence uses the phrase in the most appropriate register?

Select the best sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

Global warming is a serious, formal topic suitable for this phrase.

Complete the dialogue in a professional setting.

A: {我们|wǒmen}{已经|yǐjīng}{考虑|kǎolǜ}{了|le}{成本|chéngběn}。 B: {对|duì},{但|dàn}_____,{还有|háiyǒu}{时间|shíjiān}{压力|yālì}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

B is introducing another critical factor (time pressure).

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to emphasize the importance of 'safety'. Fill Blank B2

{在|zài}{这|zhè}{次|cì}{实验|shíyàn}{中|zhōng},_____{安全|ānquán}{问题|wèntí}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

We need the full phrase including '是' to link to the noun phrase '安全问题'.

Which sentence uses the phrase in the most appropriate register? Choose B2

Select the best sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

Global warming is a serious, formal topic suitable for this phrase.

Complete the dialogue in a professional setting. dialogue_completion B2

A: {我们|wǒmen}{已经|yǐjīng}{考虑|kǎolǜ}{了|le}{成本|chéngběn}。 B: {对|duì},{但|dàn}_____,{还有|háiyǒu}{时间|shíjiān}{压力|yālì}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

B is introducing another critical factor (time pressure).

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

Only if you are being intentionally formal or ironic. Otherwise, it's too stiff.

'不容' sounds slightly more literary and 'stronger' (not permitted), while '不可' is more common (not possible).

Related Phrases

🔗

值得注意的是

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It is worth noting that...

🔗

不可否认的是

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It is undeniable that...

🔗

显而易见的是

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What is obvious is...

🔗

众所周知

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As everyone knows...

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