It describes actions or reactions that are involuntary, driven by emotions, senses, or external stimuli.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Cannot help but, involuntarily.
- Used for natural reactions to emotions or stimuli.
- Emphasizes lack of conscious control.
Overview
“不由得”是一个副词，用来描述一种不受主观意志控制的、自然的反应或动作。它强调的是一种即时、本能的感受或行为，往往是情感的流露或身体的自然反应。
“不由得”通常放在动词或形容词前面，表示“不自觉地”、“忍不住”做某事。它可以与各种表示情感、感官刺激或身体反应的词语搭配使用。
这个词语常出现在描述人物情感反应的场景中，例如看到感人的画面、听到令人惊讶的消息、闻到特殊的香味等。它也可能用于描述身体的本能反应，如打喷嚏、咳嗽等。
“不由得”与“忍不住”意思相近，都表示无法控制。但“不由得”更侧重于生理或情感的自然流露，强调的是“不自觉”，而“忍不住”则更侧重于主观上想要克制但未能成功。例如，“听到这个消息，他不由得愣住了”强调的是惊讶带来的本能反应；而“他太想念家乡了，忍不住流下了眼泪”则强调主观情感的涌现。此外，“不禁”也常与“不由得”混淆，但“不禁”更常用于表示“不自觉地”发出某种感叹或做出某种动作，如“不禁笑出声”。
Examples
看到老照片，他不由得想起了童年。
everydaySeeing the old photos, he couldn't help but recall his childhood.
听到这个不幸的消息，她不由得潸然泪下。
formalUpon hearing this unfortunate news, she involuntarily burst into tears.
这味道太香了，我都不由得咽了口口水。
informalThis smell is so delicious, I couldn't help but swallow.
面对如此复杂的局面，研究人员不由得感到一丝担忧。
academicFaced with such a complex situation, the researchers couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
让人不由得
makes one cannot help but
不由得心头一震
felt a jolt in one's heart
Often Confused With
'不由得' emphasizes an involuntary, natural reaction, often physiological or emotional. '忍不住' suggests a conscious effort to suppress something (like an action, feeling, or urge) that ultimately fails.
'不禁' is often used for spontaneous expressions or actions, similar to '不由得', but can sometimes carry a slightly more literary tone. It often describes reactions like sighing, laughing, or feeling something.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This adverb is commonly used to describe reactions that are not consciously controlled. It fits well in narratives describing emotional responses or physical reactions to stimuli. It's generally neutral in formality but leans slightly towards descriptive or literary language.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '不由得' with '忍不住' or '不禁'. Remember that '不由得' focuses on the lack of control due to emotion or stimulus, while '忍不住' implies a failed attempt at suppression, and '不禁' often describes a spontaneous utterance or feeling.
Tips
Think 'Can't help but'
When you see '不由得', think of the English phrase 'cannot help but' or 'involuntarily'. It signals a natural, unforced reaction.
Not for deliberate actions
Avoid using '不由得' for actions that are consciously decided or performed. It signifies a lack of control, not a choice.
Expressing genuine emotion
Using '不由得' often adds a layer of sincerity and authenticity to the expression of emotions in Chinese communication.
Word Origin
The word '不由得' is composed of '不' (not), '由' (by, from), and '得' (a structural particle indicating possibility or degree). Literally, it means 'not from (one's own will)'.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, expressing genuine emotions, even involuntary ones, is often seen as a sign of sincerity. Using '不由得' can add authenticity to a description of feelings or reactions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a puppet whose strings are pulled by emotions or external forces, making it react '不由得' (without its own will).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“不由得”更侧重于生理或情感的自然流露，强调的是“不自觉”；而“忍不住”则更侧重于主观上想要克制但未能成功。例如，看到感人的电影“不由得”流泪，是情感的自然反应；而“他知道不该吃零食，但实在太饿了，还是忍不住吃了一块”，是克制失败。
“不由得”通常用在主语后面，动词或形容词前面，构成“主语 + 不由得 + 动词/形容词”的结构。例如：“看到这一幕，我不由得感到悲伤。”
“不由得”不能直接表示“没有办法”。它描述的是一种不受控制的反应，而不是指客观上无法改变的情况。例如，不能说“我考试不及格，不由得重考”。
一般情况下，“不由得”后面接动词或形容词，表示不自觉的动作或状态。直接接名词的情况比较少见，除非名词后面省略了动词，例如“他看到这景象，不由得一阵心酸”（心酸是形容词，这里省略了“感到”）。
Test Yourself
听到这个笑话，大家 ______ 笑了起来。
这里描述的是听到笑话后自然产生的笑声，是情感的本能反应，所以用“不由得”最合适。
哪句话正确使用了“不由得”？
“热泪盈眶”是看到老朋友信件后自然的情感反应，符合“不由得”的用法。其他选项要么逻辑不通，要么用法错误。
请用“不由得”、“看到”、“感人”、“场景”、“感到”、“难过”组成句子。
这个选项结构完整，逻辑清晰，表达了看到感人场景后自然产生的难过情绪。
Score: /3
Summary
It describes actions or reactions that are involuntary, driven by emotions, senses, or external stimuli.
- Cannot help but, involuntarily.
- Used for natural reactions to emotions or stimuli.
- Emphasizes lack of conscious control.
Think 'Can't help but'
When you see '不由得', think of the English phrase 'cannot help but' or 'involuntarily'. It signals a natural, unforced reaction.
Not for deliberate actions
Avoid using '不由得' for actions that are consciously decided or performed. It signifies a lack of control, not a choice.
Expressing genuine emotion
Using '不由得' often adds a layer of sincerity and authenticity to the expression of emotions in Chinese communication.
Examples
4 of 4看到老照片，他不由得想起了童年。
Seeing the old photos, he couldn't help but recall his childhood.
听到这个不幸的消息，她不由得潸然泪下。
Upon hearing this unfortunate news, she involuntarily burst into tears.
这味道太香了，我都不由得咽了口口水。
This smell is so delicious, I couldn't help but swallow.
面对如此复杂的局面，研究人员不由得感到一丝担忧。
Faced with such a complex situation, the researchers couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
Related Content
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.
