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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'cannot help but' with 不禁 (bùjīn)

    Emphasis
    Manner & Method

    Structure

    Subject + 不禁 + Verb

    Explanation

    不禁 (bùjīn) means "cannot help but" or "cannot refrain from," indicating an involuntary reaction or feeling. It is a literary adverb used before verbs to show that the action happens spontaneously and beyond one's control. For example, 不禁联想到 means "cannot help but think of."

    Examples

    • 看到这张老照片，她不禁流下了眼泪。

      Kàndào zhè zhāng lǎo zhàopiàn, tā bùjīn liúxià le yǎnlèi.

      Seeing this old photograph, she couldn't help but shed tears.

    • 听到这个好消息，大家不禁鼓起掌来。

      Tīngdào zhège hǎo xiāoxi, dàjiā bùjīn gǔqǐ zhǎng lái.

      Upon hearing the good news, everyone couldn't help but start clapping.

    • 走在古老的街道上，我不禁想起了小时候的生活。

      Zǒu zài gǔlǎo de jiēdào shàng, wǒ bùjīn xiǎngqǐ le xiǎoshíhou de shēnghuó.

      Walking along the old streets, I couldn't help but think of my childhood life.

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    Expressing 'cannot help but' with 不禁 (bùjīn) | Chinese Grammar