It describes the moment when your self-control fails against a strong impulse.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to express inability to control an impulse.
- Commonly followed by a verb or verb phrase.
- Reflects natural emotional or physical reactions.
Overview
- 1概述：‘忍不住’由动词‘忍’（克制、忍受）和补语‘不住’（无法停下或无法控制）组成。它形象地描述了当人的心理防线被某种刺激突破时，无法维持平静状态的心理活动。2) 用法：该词通常放在动词或动词短语之前，表示对某种行为无法抑制。结构通常为：忍不住 + 动词/动词短语。例如：‘忍不住笑’、‘忍不住哭’。3) 常见情境：常用于表达生理性反应（如打喷嚏、咳嗽）、情感宣泄（如大哭、大笑）或心理冲动（如想说真话、想买东西）。4) 近义词辨析：与‘禁不住’相比，‘忍不住’更侧重于主观意志无法控制；‘禁不住’则有时带有客观环境导致无法承受的意味。
Examples
我忍不住想告诉你这个好消息。
everydayI can't help but want to tell you this good news.
面对如此不公，他忍不住站出来反驳。
formalFaced with such injustice, he couldn't help but stand up and refute it.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
忍不住要说
can't help but say
忍不住流泪
can't help shedding tears
Often Confused With
Refers to being unable to tolerate a situation or pain. 忍不住 is about an action you can't stop doing.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile in spoken Chinese. It is neutral in tone but leans towards informal. Always place it before the verb that you are failing to control.
Common Mistakes
Learners often place the subject after the phrase. Remember the structure is [Subject] + 忍不住 + [Verb]. Do not use it to describe physical pain endurance.
Tips
Focus on the impulse
Think of it as the 'point of no return' for your actions. When you can't hold back anymore, use 忍不住.
Don't confuse with physical endurance
Use 忍受 for physical pain, but use 忍不住 for an uncontrollable urge to do something.
Emotional expression in Chinese
Chinese culture values moderation; using 忍不住 often highlights that the emotion was too strong to be hidden.
Word Origin
Derived from the verb 忍 (to endure/suppress) and the resultative complement 住 (to stop/fix). Together they signify the inability to maintain a state of suppression.
Cultural Context
Reflects the tension between traditional Chinese values of self-restraint and the natural human tendency to express genuine emotions.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding their breath (忍) but then letting it out (住) because they can't hold it any longer. That is the feeling of 忍不住.
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questions是的，它通常修饰动词或动词短语，表示无法克制某种行为。如果不加动词，句子结构通常是不完整的。
“忍不住”侧重于无法克制去做某事，而“受不了”侧重于无法忍受某种痛苦或恶劣的环境。前者是主动的行为，后者是被动的感受。
它主要用于口语和非正式书面语。在极其正式的公文或学术论文中，建议使用“无法克制”或“难以抑制”。
Test Yourself
听到这个笑话，他实在___笑了出来。
因为无法控制笑的行为，所以用忍不住。
Score: /1
Summary
It describes the moment when your self-control fails against a strong impulse.
- Used to express inability to control an impulse.
- Commonly followed by a verb or verb phrase.
- Reflects natural emotional or physical reactions.
Focus on the impulse
Think of it as the 'point of no return' for your actions. When you can't hold back anymore, use 忍不住.
Don't confuse with physical endurance
Use 忍受 for physical pain, but use 忍不住 for an uncontrollable urge to do something.
Emotional expression in Chinese
Chinese culture values moderation; using 忍不住 often highlights that the emotion was too strong to be hidden.
Examples
2 of 2我忍不住想告诉你这个好消息。
I can't help but want to tell you this good news.
面对如此不公，他忍不住站出来反驳。
Faced with such injustice, he couldn't help but stand up and refute it.
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.
