不禁
How to Say
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How to Write
Meaning: can't help but
How to Understand
不禁
不禁 (bù jīn) is an adverbial phrase that means 'can't help but' or 'unable to refrain from.' It expresses a strong emotional or physical reaction that one cannot control, often used to describe spontaneous feelings or actions.
The character 不 (bù) means 'not,' and 禁 (jīn) means 'to prohibit' or 'to restrain.' Together, they form a phrase that literally translates to 'not restrained,' implying an uncontrollable impulse or emotion.
禁 is also used in other expressions like 禁止 (jīnzhǐ), meaning 'to prohibit,' and 禁不住 (jīnbuzhù), meaning 'can't help but.' 不禁 is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to convey involuntary reactions, such as laughter, crying, or shivering due to cold or emotion.
Example Sentences
他讲了一个笑话，我忍不住笑出声来。
He told a joke, and I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
看到那幅画，我不禁战栗起来。
Seeing that painting, I couldn't help but shiver.