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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'can't help but' with 忍不住 (rěnbuzhù)

    Degree & Intensity
    Permission & Ability

    Structure

    忍不住 + Verb

    Explanation

    忍不住 (rěnbuzhù) is a verb meaning "can't help but" or "can't resist." It combines 忍 (rěn, "to endure") with the negative potential complement 不住, indicating that one is unable to hold back an action or emotion, such as laughing, crying, or speaking out.

    Examples

    • 她忍不住笑了出来。

      Tā rěn bù zhù xiào le chūlái.

      She couldn't help but burst out laughing.

    • 看到那只小猫，我忍不住想摸一摸。

      Kàndào nà zhī xiǎo māo, wǒ rěn bù zhù xiǎng mō yī mō.

      Seeing that little cat, I couldn't resist wanting to pet it.

    • 他忍不住问了一句：你还好吗？

      Tā rěn bù zhù wèn le yī jù: nǐ hái hǎo ma?

      He couldn't help but ask: "Are you okay?"

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