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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "cannot do without" with 少不了 (shǎobùliǎo)

    HSK 4
    Existence & Possession
    Obligation & Necessity

    Structure

    Subject + 少不了 + Noun/Verb

    Explanation

    少不了 means "cannot do without" or "is bound to involve," indicating that something will inevitably occur or be needed. It expresses that A and B always go together, or that a certain element is indispensable. For example, 过年少不了吃饺子 means "Chinese New Year always involves eating dumplings."

    Examples

    • 搬家少不了朋友帮忙。

      Bānjiā shǎo bù liǎo péngyǒu bāngmáng.

      Moving house can't do without friends' help.

    • 出国旅游少不了带护照。

      Chūguó lǚyóu shǎo bù liǎo dài hùzhào.

      Traveling abroad can't do without bringing your passport.

    • 开派对少不了音乐和好吃的。

      Kāi pàiduì shǎo bù liǎo yīnyuè hé hǎochī de.

      A party can't do without music and good food.

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    Expressing "cannot do without" with 少不了 (shǎobùliǎo) | Chinese Grammar