Indispensable; something that is absolutely required and cannot be omitted.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Absolutely necessary; cannot be done without.
- Highlights extreme importance and indispensability.
- Used for essential elements in various contexts.
Overview
“必不可少”是一个汉语成语，意思是某事物对于达成某个目标、维持某种状态或完成某项任务来说是绝对必需的，不可或缺的。它强调了该事物的重要性达到了“没有它就不行”的程度。这个词语常用于描述事物之间的重要关系，尤其是在强调必要性时。
“必不可少”通常用作谓语、定语或补语。作为谓语时，后面常跟名词或名词性短语，表示某事物是必不可少的。作为定语时，修饰名词，强调该名词的重要性。作为补语时，常放在动词后面，表示动作的必要性。
这个词语常见于各种语境，包括：
**人际关系**：如“信任是任何一段健康关系必不可少的基石。”
与“重要”、“必需”、“关键”等词语相比，“必不可少”的程度更深，强调的是“没有不行”的绝对必要性。“重要”表示有价值或有影响，但不一定到“没有不行”的程度。“必需”和“必不可少”意思非常接近，都强调必要性，但“必不可少”有时更带有一种不可或缺的意味，强调其独特性或在特定情境下的唯一性。例如，“氧气是生命必需的”，也可以说“氧气是生命必不可少的”。但如果说“这部电影的配乐是其成功必不可少的因素”，用“重要”也可以，但用“必不可少”则更能强调配乐的决定性作用。
Examples
水是生命必不可少的物质。
everydayWater is an indispensable substance for life.
在现代商业环境中，有效的市场营销策略是企业成功的必不可少的前提。
formalIn the modern business environment, effective marketing strategies are an essential prerequisite for corporate success.
没点儿幽默感，生活可就没意思了，这玩意儿可是必不可少的。
informalWithout a sense of humor, life would be meaningless; this thing is absolutely essential.
该研究指出，批判性思维能力是高等教育阶段学生培养过程中必不可少的一环。
academicThe study points out that critical thinking skills are an indispensable part of student development in higher education.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
必不可少
essential, indispensable
是必不可少的
is essential
必不可少的一部分
an essential part
Often Confused With
'重要' means important or significant. It implies value or influence but not necessarily absolute necessity. '必不可少' goes further, implying that something cannot be omitted or achieved without it.
'必需' means necessary or required. It is very close in meaning to '必不可少' and often interchangeable. However, '必不可少' can sometimes carry a stronger nuance of being irreplaceable or uniquely essential in a specific context.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It carries a strong emphasis on necessity. It's appropriate for formal and informal contexts when highlighting the critical nature of something. Be mindful not to overuse it, as it denotes a very high degree of importance.
Common Mistakes
Learners might sometimes use '必不可少' when '重要' (important) would suffice, overstating the necessity. Ensure the context truly demands the level of indispensability implied by '必不可少'. Avoid using it for things that are merely beneficial but not strictly required.
Tips
Emphasize Absolute Necessity
Use '必不可少' when you want to stress that something is crucial and without it, a goal cannot be achieved or a situation cannot be maintained.
Avoid Overuse
While strong, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider using synonyms like '重要' or '必需' when the necessity isn't absolute.
Context Matters
The concept of 'essential' can be culturally influenced. What's considered '必不可少' might vary across different societies or time periods.
Word Origin
The phrase is a four-character idiom (chengyu). '必' means 'must', '不可' means 'cannot', and '少' means 'lack' or 'few'. Together, it conveys the meaning that something is so crucial that its absence cannot be afforded.
Cultural Context
In many Asian cultures, emphasizing the necessity of certain elements for collective well-being (like family harmony or societal stability) is common. '必不可少' can be used to underscore the importance of these foundational aspects.
Memory Tip
Think of '必' (must), '不可' (cannot), '少' (less/lack). So, 'must not be lacking' - meaning it's absolutely essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“必不可少”比“重要”程度更深，强调的是“没有它就不行”的绝对必要性。“重要”表示有价值或有影响，但并非绝对不可或缺。
它可以作谓语（如：空气是必不可少的）、定语（如：必不可少的部分）或补语（如：这项技能对他来说是必不可少的）。
两者意思非常接近，都表示必要。但“必不可少”有时更强调其不可替代性或在特定情境下的独特性。
例如：‘对于现代人来说，智能手机已经成为生活中必不可少的一部分。’ 这句话说明了智能手机在当前生活中的极端重要性和不可或缺性。
Test Yourself
良好的沟通技巧是团队合作的_________因素。
这句话强调了沟通技巧对于团队合作的极端重要性，没有它就无法成功，因此“必不可少”最合适。
下列哪个词最能表达“必不可少”的意思？
“必需”和“必不可少”都表示绝对需要，程度非常接近。而“关键”强调重要性，但可能还有其他同样重要的因素；“有益”和“方便”则表示有好处或便利，但非必要。
请按顺序选择词语组成一个通顺的句子：
正确的句子是“氧气是对生命必不可少的”，结构完整，意思清晰，强调了氧气对生命的重要性。
Score: /3
Summary
Indispensable; something that is absolutely required and cannot be omitted.
- Absolutely necessary; cannot be done without.
- Highlights extreme importance and indispensability.
- Used for essential elements in various contexts.
Emphasize Absolute Necessity
Use '必不可少' when you want to stress that something is crucial and without it, a goal cannot be achieved or a situation cannot be maintained.
Avoid Overuse
While strong, overuse can diminish its impact. Consider using synonyms like '重要' or '必需' when the necessity isn't absolute.
Context Matters
The concept of 'essential' can be culturally influenced. What's considered '必不可少' might vary across different societies or time periods.
Examples
4 of 4水是生命必不可少的物质。
Water is an indispensable substance for life.
在现代商业环境中，有效的市场营销策略是企业成功的必不可少的前提。
In the modern business environment, effective marketing strategies are an essential prerequisite for corporate success.
没点儿幽默感，生活可就没意思了，这玩意儿可是必不可少的。
Without a sense of humor, life would be meaningless; this thing is absolutely essential.
该研究指出，批判性思维能力是高等教育阶段学生培养过程中必不可少的一环。
The study points out that critical thinking skills are an indispensable part of student development in higher education.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More academic words
缺席
B1The state of being absent from a place or event where one is expected to be, such as a class, meeting, or ceremony.
抽象的
A2Abstract.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Academic; characterized by formal study or research.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1A periodical publication containing scholarly articles.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.
