HSK 6
不禁 V
bùjīn V
can't help but
Structure
Subject + 不禁 + Verb / Verb Phrase
How it works
The adverb '不禁' is used to indicate that someone cannot help but do something or that an emotion/action occurs spontaneously and uncontrollably. It is typically followed by verbs related to emotions, mental states, or sudden physical reactions.
Examples
看到这张老照片，我不禁想起了童年的美好时光。
Kàndào zhè zhāng lǎo zhàopiàn, wǒ bùjīn xiǎngqǐle tóngnián de měihǎo shíguāng.
Seeing this old photo, I couldn't help but think of the beautiful times of my childhood.
听完那个感人的故事，观众们不禁流下了眼泪。
Tīng wán nàge gǎnrén de gùshì, guānzhòngmen bùjīn liúxiàle yǎnlèi.
After listening to that touching story, the audience couldn't help but shed tears.
想到未来的挑战，他不禁感到有些压力。
Xiǎngdào wèilái de tiǎozhàn, tā bùjīn gǎndào yǒuxiē yālì.
Thinking of future challenges, he couldn't help but feel some pressure.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse '不禁' (bùjīn - can't help but) with '禁不住' (jīnbuzhù), which also means can't help but but can additionally mean 'unable to bear/withstand' physical weight or pressure.
Tip
Pairs well with '起来' (qǐlái) to indicate the sudden start of an emotion, such as '不禁笑了起来' (couldn't help but start laughing).
More HSK 6 grammar
See 不禁 V in real Chinese
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