An involuntary reaction caused by overwhelming emotions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Unable to control one's emotional reactions.
- Driven by intense feelings or impulses.
- Describes spontaneous, involuntary physical or emotional actions.
Overview
- 1概览：‘情不自禁’是一个经典的四字成语，由‘情’（情感）、‘不自禁’（不能自我约束）组成。它生动地刻画了人在强烈情绪驱动下，理智无法压抑本能反应的状态。2) 用法：它既可以作状语，放在动词前修饰动作，也可以作谓语或补语。常见结构为‘情不自禁地+动词’，强调动作的自发性和非理性。3) 常见情境：常出现在文学作品、情感叙事或日常生活中，例如看到久别重逢的亲人忍不住流泪，或听到美妙的音乐忍不住随之起舞。4) 近义词辨析：与‘不由自主’相比，‘情不自禁’更侧重于‘感情’的驱动；与‘身不由己’相比，后者更多指受到外部环境或客观条件的强制，而非内心冲动。
Examples
看到久别重逢的母亲，她情不自禁地流下了眼泪。
everydaySeeing her mother after a long separation, she couldn't help but shed tears.
观众们被精彩的演出所折服，情不自禁地鼓起掌来。
formalThe audience was so impressed by the performance that they couldn't help but applaud.
那首歌太动听了，我情不自禁地跟着唱了起来。
informalThe song was so beautiful that I couldn't help but sing along.
文学评论家指出，作者在描写这段恋情时，流露出了情不自禁的真情实感。
academicLiterary critics pointed out that the author revealed genuine, uncontrollable emotions when depicting this romance.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
情不自禁地爱上
couldn't help but fall in love
完全情不自禁
completely unable to restrain oneself
让人情不自禁
makes people unable to help themselves
Often Confused With
Broader in meaning, covering both internal emotions and external physical forces.情不自禁 is strictly limited to emotional impulses.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use this idiom when you want to emphasize that an action was not planned but occurred naturally due to feelings. It is versatile and works well in both written and spoken Chinese. Ensure the subject is a person or a group of people experiencing a strong emotion.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use this for physical accidents, which is incorrect. Remember, it must be triggered by an emotion. Also, ensure you don't use it to describe a calculated or deliberate action.
Tips
Focus on the emotional trigger
Always link this word to a specific emotional cause. It helps to clarify why the person lost control.
Avoid using for physical constraints
Do not use this word if someone is physically forced to do something. It must originate from internal feelings.
Literary usage in Chinese culture
This idiom is frequently used in Chinese romantic literature to depict deep affection. It highlights the beauty of raw, unfiltered human emotion.
Word Origin
Derived from classical Chinese literature, this phrase describes the inability to hold back the overflow of inner passion. It captures the Confucian ideal of sincerity in emotion.
Cultural Context
This phrase reflects the Chinese cultural value of sincerity and the expression of genuine feelings. It is often used to praise someone who is 'true to their heart' in emotional situations.
Memory Tip
Think of '情' (feeling) + '不' (not) + '自' (self) + '禁' (restrain). You are so full of feeling that you cannot restrain your 'self'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions它是一个中性词，既可以用于褒义（如情不自禁地感动），也可以用于描述中性或略带无奈的冲动行为。它主要取决于上下文的语境。
虽然它常用于文学和口语，但在书面语或正式演讲中表达真挚情感时也是完全得体的。它能有效增强表达的感染力。
‘情不自禁’强调因情感冲动而失控，‘不由自主’则范围更广，包括生理反应、外界压力或惯性导致的无法自控。
作为状语修饰动词时，通常建议加上‘地’以符合语法规范。但在口语中，有时为了节奏简洁也会省略。
Test Yourself
听到这个好消息，他___地跳了起来。
因为听到好消息而产生无法控制的喜悦，符合情不自禁的定义。
Score: /1
Summary
An involuntary reaction caused by overwhelming emotions.
- Unable to control one's emotional reactions.
- Driven by intense feelings or impulses.
- Describes spontaneous, involuntary physical or emotional actions.
Focus on the emotional trigger
Always link this word to a specific emotional cause. It helps to clarify why the person lost control.
Avoid using for physical constraints
Do not use this word if someone is physically forced to do something. It must originate from internal feelings.
Literary usage in Chinese culture
This idiom is frequently used in Chinese romantic literature to depict deep affection. It highlights the beauty of raw, unfiltered human emotion.
Examples
4 of 4看到久别重逢的母亲，她情不自禁地流下了眼泪。
Seeing her mother after a long separation, she couldn't help but shed tears.
观众们被精彩的演出所折服，情不自禁地鼓起掌来。
The audience was so impressed by the performance that they couldn't help but applaud.
那首歌太动听了，我情不自禁地跟着唱了起来。
The song was so beautiful that I couldn't help but sing along.
文学评论家指出，作者在描写这段恋情时，流露出了情不自禁的真情实感。
Literary critics pointed out that the author revealed genuine, uncontrollable emotions when depicting this romance.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
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.
