Use '不禁' to describe natural, involuntary emotional responses or actions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Cannot help but; cannot refrain from.
- Expresses natural, involuntary reactions.
- Common in daily life and literature.
Overview
“不禁”是一个副词，用来表达一种无法控制的、自然而然的情感或行为反应。它强调的是一种内在的、不自觉的冲动，而不是刻意为之。这个词在日常交流和文学作品中都非常常见，能够生动地描绘人物的内心世界和情感变化。
“不禁”通常用在动词或形容词前面，表示“不由自主地”做某事或产生某种感觉。它可以独立使用，也可以与其他词语组合，构成更丰富的表达。例如，“不禁笑出声”、“不禁流泪”、“不禁感叹”。
在日常生活中，人们在看到感人的画面、听到有趣的故事、或者遇到令人惊讶的事情时，常常会“不禁”做出反应。在文学作品中，“不禁”更是被广泛用来刻画人物细腻的情感，如看到故乡的景象“不禁”思念起亲人，听到悲伤的音乐“不禁”潸然泪下。
“不能”比“无法”更口语化，同样表示做不到，但“不禁”的侧重点在于“不由自主”的情感反应。
“无法”表示做不到某事，侧重于客观条件或能力上的限制，而“不禁”侧重于主观情感上的自然流露。
“难以”表示做某事有困难，程度比“不能”和“无法”更轻，而“不禁”则完全是自然反应，与困难无关。
Examples
听到这个笑话，他不禁笑了起来。
everydayHearing this joke, he couldn't help but laugh.
看到故乡的景象，老人不禁潸然泪下。
literarySeeing the scenery of his hometown, the old man couldn't refrain from shedding tears.
这道数学题太难了，我禁不住皱起了眉头。
everydayThis math problem is too difficult, I couldn't help but frown.
面对如此壮丽的景色，人们不禁感叹大自然的鬼斧神工。
formalFacing such magnificent scenery, people cannot help but marvel at the wonders of nature.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
禁不住
cannot help but (more colloquial)
不禁而然
naturally; of course
Often Confused With
'忍不住' (rěn bu zhù) often implies a stronger urge or a greater effort to suppress something, while '不禁' (bù jīn) focuses more on the natural, spontaneous outflow of emotion or action.
'无法' (wú fǎ) means 'unable to' or 'cannot', usually indicating an inability due to external constraints or lack of means, whereas '不禁' is about involuntary emotional reactions.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
'不禁' is a versatile adverb used to describe involuntary emotional responses or actions. It is common in both spoken and written Chinese, particularly in narrative contexts. It functions similarly to 'cannot help but' or 'cannot refrain from' in English.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '不禁' with words indicating inability ('无法') or deliberate action. Remember that '不禁' specifically refers to natural, spontaneous reactions, not a lack of ability or intentionality.
Tips
Expressing Natural Emotions
Use '不禁' when describing spontaneous feelings like laughter, tears, or sighs.
Avoid Overuse in Formal Writing
While common, overuse in very formal or technical writing might seem slightly informal.
Subtlety in Chinese Expression
Chinese culture often values subtle emotional expression, making '不禁' a useful tool for nuanced communication.
Word Origin
The character '禁' originally meant 'to prohibit' or 'to forbid'. In '不禁', it implies a lack of restraint or prohibition, suggesting that the action or emotion is allowed to flow freely due to its natural occurrence.
Cultural Context
The use of '不禁' reflects a cultural appreciation for expressing genuine emotions, even if subtly. It allows for a portrayal of characters' inner feelings without them seeming overly dramatic or uncontrolled.
Memory Tip
Think of '不' (not) and '禁' (to prohibit/restrain). So, 'not restraining' yourself, meaning you can't help it. Imagine a dam breaking - the water flows freely, unrestrained.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“不禁”和“忍不住”意思非常接近，都可以表示无法控制。但“不禁”更偏向于一种自然而然的情感流露，而“忍不住”则更强调一种强烈的冲动，有时可能带有轻微的克制但最终未能成功。
“不禁”后面通常接动词或形容词，用来描述所产生的具体反应或情感。例如：不禁笑了、不禁感叹、不禁想起、不禁皱眉。
“不禁”本身是一个中性词，不带有褒贬色彩。它的感情色彩取决于它所描述的具体情境和反应。
是的，“不禁”既可以用在口语中，也广泛用于书面语，尤其是在文学作品和需要表达细腻情感的场合。
Test Yourself
看到感人的电影片段，她_______流下了眼泪。
这里描述的是看到感人场面时自然流露的反应，用“不禁”最合适。
听到这个笑话，大家都不禁笑了起来。
“不禁笑了起来”表示不由自主地笑，与“控制不住地笑了起来”意思最接近。
请用“不禁”和以下词语组成一个句子：想起，童年，往事。
这个句子结构完整，意思通顺，表达了看到老照片时自然而然地回忆起童年往事的情感。
Score: /3
Summary
Use '不禁' to describe natural, involuntary emotional responses or actions.
- Cannot help but; cannot refrain from.
- Expresses natural, involuntary reactions.
- Common in daily life and literature.
Expressing Natural Emotions
Use '不禁' when describing spontaneous feelings like laughter, tears, or sighs.
Avoid Overuse in Formal Writing
While common, overuse in very formal or technical writing might seem slightly informal.
Subtlety in Chinese Expression
Chinese culture often values subtle emotional expression, making '不禁' a useful tool for nuanced communication.
Examples
4 of 4听到这个笑话，他不禁笑了起来。
Hearing this joke, he couldn't help but laugh.
看到故乡的景象，老人不禁潸然泪下。
Seeing the scenery of his hometown, the old man couldn't refrain from shedding tears.
这道数学题太难了，我禁不住皱起了眉头。
This math problem is too difficult, I couldn't help but frown.
面对如此壮丽的景色，人们不禁感叹大自然的鬼斧神工。
Facing such magnificent scenery, people cannot help but marvel at the wonders of nature.
Related Content
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
