Word
来之不易 (lái zhī bù yì) — Chinese word meaning
HSK 7
来之不易 (lái zhī bù yì) is a Chinese word: hard-won; not easily obtained. This page shows its pinyin, translation, example sentences, character breakdown, decomposition, and HSK level.
Meaning of 来之不易
成语 chéng yǔ idiom
hard-won; not easily obtained
这个机会来之不易，你一定要把握住。
zhè ge jī huì lái zhī bù yì nǐ yí dìng yào bǎ wò zhù
This opportunity is hard-won, you must seize it.
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Word breakdown
来 lái — to come; represents the arrival or obtaining of something
Words with this character (50)
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Example
他从楼下上来了。
tā cóng lóu xià shàng lái le
He came up from downstairs.
-
Example
他从楼上下来了。
tā cóng lóu shàng xià lái le
He came down from upstairs.
-
Example
他从房间里出来了。
tā cóng fáng jiān lǐ chū lái le
He came out of the room.
-
Example
我妈妈刚回来。
wǒ mā ma gāng huí lái
My mom just came back.
-
Example
早上我七点起来。
zǎo shang wǒ qī diǎn qǐ lái
I get up at seven o'clock in the morning.
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- 过 pass, cross over (indicates movement across a distance)
- 来 come (indicates directional movement toward the speaker)
Example
你过来一下。
nǐ guò lái yī xià
Come over here for a moment.
-
Example
请进来坐。
qǐng jìn lái zuò
Please come in and sit down.
-
Example
他当时不明白，后来才懂了。
tā dāng shí bù míng bai hòu lái cái dǒng le
He didn't understand at the time, but later he got it.
-
Example
她来自北京。
tā lái zì Běi jīng
She comes from Beijing.
-
- 看 to look, to see; contributes the sense of observation or perception
- 来 to come; functions as a directional complement forming an expression for making inferences
Example
看来明天会下雨。
kàn lái míng tiān huì xià yǔ
It seems it will rain tomorrow.
-
Example
他从来不迟到。
tā cóng lái bù chí dào
He is never late.
-
Example
春天到来了。
chūn tiān dào lái le
Spring has arrived.
-
Example
原来你是老师。
yuán lái nǐ shì lǎo shī
So you're a teacher.
-
Example
我将来想当医生。
wǒ jiāng lái xiǎng dāng yī shēng
I want to be a doctor in the future.
-
Example
我本来想去，但是太忙了。
wǒ běn lái xiǎng qù dàn shì tài máng le
I originally wanted to go, but I was too busy.
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Example
我来不及吃早饭就走了。
wǒ lái bù jí chī zǎo fàn jiù zǒu le
I didn't have time to eat breakfast and left.
-
- 来 to come/approach (indicates temporal arrival)
- 得 structural particle (links verb with result complement)
- 及 to reach/attain (indicates successfully reaching in time)
Example
现在出发还来得及。
xiàn zài chū fā hái lái de jí
If we leave now, we'll still be in time.
-
Example
这个工具用来切水果。
zhè ge gōng jù yòng lái qiē shuǐ guǒ
This tool is used to cut fruit.
-
- 以 from, since (marking the starting point in time)
- 来 coming up to now (indicates direction toward present)
Example
改革开放以来，中国发生了巨大的变化。
gǎi gé kāi fàng yǐ lái zhōng guó fā shēng le jù dà de biàn huà
Since the reform and opening up, China has undergone tremendous changes.
-
Example
欢迎大家前来参加我们的活动。
huān yíng dà jiā qián lái cān jiā wǒ men de huó dòng
Welcome everyone to come participate in our event.
-
Example
未来科技会改变我们的生活。
wèi lái kē jì huì gǎi biàn wǒ men de shēng huó
Future technology will change our lives.
-
Example
这些数据的来源很可靠。
zhè xiē shù jù de lái yuán hěn kě kào
The source of these data is very reliable.
-
- 近 near, recent (indicates closeness in time)
- 年 year (the unit of time being referenced)
- 来 come, since (indicates a period continuing up to now)
Example
近年来，环境保护越来越受到重视。
jìn nián lái huán jìng bǎo hù yuè lái yuè shòu dào zhòng shì
In recent years, environmental protection has received more and more attention.
-
Example
这是一种外来物种。
zhè shì yī zhǒng wài lái wù zhǒng
This is a foreign species.
-
Example
我们两家人常常往来。
wǒ men liǎng jiā rén cháng cháng wǎng lái
Our two families often visit each other.
-
Example
冬天来临，天气变冷了。
dōng tiān lái lín tiān qì biàn lěng le
Winter has arrived, and the weather has become cold.
-
Example
我们两家经常来往。
wǒ men liǎng jiā jīng cháng lái wǎng
Our two families frequently interact.
-
Example
这个节日的由来很有趣。
zhè ge jié rì de yóu lái hěn yǒu qù
The origin of this festival is very interesting.
-
Example
这里的自来水很干净。
zhè lǐ de zì lái shuǐ hěn gān jìng
The tap water here is very clean.
-
Example
他近来工作很忙。
tā jìn lái gōng zuò hěn máng
He's been very busy with work lately.
-
- 划 to calculate, to reckon (profitability)
- 不 not (negation)
- 来 feasible, workable (directional complement indicating result)
Example
坐出租车去太划不来了，我们坐地铁吧。
zuò chū zū chē qù tài huá bù lái le wǒ men zuò dì tiě ba
Taking a taxi is not worth it, let's take the subway.
-
- 划 to calculate, to reckon
- 得 resultative particle indicating possibility or achievement
- 来 directional complement completing the resultative phrase
Example
这个价格很划得来。
zhè ge jià gé hěn huá de lái
This price is very worthwhile.
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Example
到头来，他还是选择了回家。
dào tóu lái tā hái shì xuǎn zé le huí jiā
In the end, he still chose to go home.
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Example
我们公司历来重视产品质量。
wǒ men gōng sī lì lái zhòng shì chǎn pǐn zhì liàng
Our company has always valued product quality.
-
- 向 toward (indicates direction from the past)
- 来 come/since (indicates coming from the past to present)
Example
他向来不喜欢说话。
tā xiàng lái bù xǐ huan shuō huà
He has always disliked talking.
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Example
多年来，这个城市发生了很大的变化。
duō nián lái zhè ge chéng shì fā shēng le hěn dà de biàn huà
Over the years, this city has undergone great changes.
-
Example
他从国外归来。
tā cóng guó wài guī lái
He returned from abroad.
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Example
打开门，海风扑面而来。
dǎ kāi mén hǎi fēng pū miàn ér lái
Opening the door, the sea breeze blew in my face.
-
Example
这幅画的来历不明。
zhè fú huà de lái lì bù míng
The origin of this painting is unknown.
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Example
从北京到上海的来回票多少钱？
cóng Běi jīng dào Shàng hǎi de lái huí piào duō shao qián
How much is a round-trip ticket from Beijing to Shanghai?
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Example
欢迎各位来宾参加我们的活动。
huān yíng gè wèi lái bīn cān jiā wǒ men de huó dòng
Welcome all guests to our event.
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Example
我们来年再见吧。
wǒ men lái nián zài jiàn ba
Let's meet again next year.
-
Example
我刚才收到一个来电。
wǒ gāng cái shōu dào yí gè lái diàn
I just received an incoming call.
-
Example
明天会有重要客人来访。
míng tiān huì yǒu zhòng yào kè rén lái fǎng
Important guests will visit tomorrow.
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- 来 coming; the origin or source
- 龙 dragon; dragon veins (feng shui concept)
- 去 going; the result or outcome
- 脉 veins; the connecting thread or continuity
Example
他详细地解释了事情的来龙去脉。
tā xiáng xì de jiě shì le shì qing de lái lóng qù mài
He explained the ins and outs of the matter in detail.
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- 礼 Courtesy, propriety, gift
- 尚 Esteem, value, uphold
- 往 Go,往来 means going and coming (reciprocal exchange)
- 来 Come, 往来 means going and coming (reciprocal exchange)
Example
在中国文化中，礼尚往来是一种重要的社交礼仪。
zài zhōng guó wén huà zhōng lǐ shàng wǎng lái shì yī zhǒng zhòng yào de shè jiāo lǐ yí
In Chinese culture, courtesy demands reciprocity is an important social etiquette.
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Example
这场暴风雨突如其来，让大家措手不及。
zhè chǎng bào fēng yǔ tū rú qí lái ràng dà jiā cuò shǒu bù jí
This storm came suddenly and unexpectedly, catching everyone off guard.
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- 翻 turn over, flip
- 来 indicates movement in one direction
- 覆 overturn, turn back
- 去 indicates movement in the opposite direction
Example
他昨晚翻来覆去睡不着觉。
tā zuó wǎn fān lái fù qù shuì bu zháo jiào
He tossed and turned all night, unable to fall asleep.
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- 苦 bitterness, suffering, hardship
- 尽 exhaust, finish, come to an end
- 甘 sweetness, pleasant times
- 来 come, arrive
Example
经过多年的努力，他终于苦尽甘来，实现了自己的梦想。
jīng guò duō nián de nǔ lì tā zhōng yú kǔ jìn gān lái shí xiàn le zì jǐ de mèng xiǎng
After years of hard work, he finally saw his fortunes turn and realized his dreams.
-
- 长 long (duration)
- 期 period, term
- 以 by, with (grammatical connector)
- 来 come, since (indicates time up to now)
Example
长期以来，他一直在研究这个问题。
cháng qī yǐ lái tā yì zhí zài yán jiū zhè ge wèn tí
For a long time, he has been researching this problem.
之 zhī — classical possessive particle; connects the components
Words with this character (24)
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Example
在众多选择之中，这是最好的。
zài zhòng duō xuǎn zé zhī zhōng zhè shì zuì hǎo de
Among many choices, this is the best.
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Example
三年之前我不会说中文。
sān nián zhī qián wǒ bù huì shuō zhōng wén
Three years ago, I couldn't speak Chinese.
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- 之 classical linking particle connecting to the temporal concept
- 后 after, later (provides the temporal meaning)
Example
毕业之后他去了北京工作。
bì yè zhī hòu tā qù le běi jīng gōng zuò
After graduation, he went to Beijing to work.
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Example
我们之间没有秘密。
wǒ men zhī jiān méi yǒu mì mì
There are no secrets between us.
-
Example
总之，我们要努力学习。
zǒng zhī wǒ men yào nǔ lì xué xí
In short, we need to study hard.
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- 之 grammatical particle linking the reason
- 所 that which, indicating the object or thing
- 以 by means of, because of (causal meaning)
Example
我之所以学中文，是因为我喜欢中国文化。
wǒ zhī suǒ yǐ xué zhōng wén shì yīn wèi wǒ xǐ huān zhōng guó wén huà
The reason why I study Chinese is because I like Chinese culture.
-
Example
他虽然学历不高，但有一技之长，生活得很好。
tā suī rán xué lì bù gāo dàn yǒu yī jì zhī cháng shēng huó de hěn hǎo
Although he doesn't have high education, he has a special skill and lives well.
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- 不 not; negates the action of concluding
- 了 to finish, to settle; indicates completion
- 了 to finish; reinforces the sense of completion
- 之 it, this (classical particle); refers to the matter
Example
这件事不能不了了之，我们必须找到解决办法。
zhè jiàn shì bù néng bù liǎo liǎo zhī wǒ men bì xū zhǎo dào jiě jué bàn fǎ
This matter cannot be left unresolved; we must find a solution.
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- 不 not, negation marker
- 正 proper, correct, righteous
- 之 of (classical possessive marker)
- 风 wind, trend, custom, atmosphere
Example
我们必须坚决抵制社会上的不正之风。
wǒ men bì xū jiān jué dǐ zhì shè huì shàng de bù zhèng zhī fēng
We must firmly resist unhealthy trends in society.
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Example
新年之际，祝你万事如意。
xīn nián zhī jì zhù nǐ wàn shì rú yì
On the occasion of the New Year, I wish you all the best.
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- 井 well (a confined, narrow space symbolizing limitation)
- 底 bottom (emphasizes the lowest position, furthest from the wider world)
- 之 of/at (classical possessive/locative particle connecting the location to the subject)
- 蛙 frog (the subject with limited perspective due to confined environment)
Example
不要做井底之蛙，要开阔眼界。
bú yào zuò jǐng dǐ zhī wā yào kāi kuò yǎn jiè
Don't be a frog at the bottom of a well, broaden your horizons.
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Example
天气很冷，加之下雨，我们决定不出去了。
tiān qì hěn lěng jiā zhī xià yǔ wǒ men jué dìng bù chū qù le
The weather is very cold, and moreover it's raining, so we decided not to go out.
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Example
他喜欢夏天，反之，我更喜欢冬天。
tā xǐ huan xià tiān fǎn zhī wǒ gèng xǐ huan dōng tiān
He likes summer; conversely, I prefer winter.
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- 取 to take, to seize
- 而 and then, and (connects sequential actions)
- 代 to replace, to substitute
- 之 it, that (classical pronoun for what is replaced)
Example
手工劳动逐渐被机器取而代之。
shǒu gōng láo dòng zhú jiàn bèi jī qì qǔ ér dài zhī
Manual labor is gradually being replaced by machines.
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- 可 can, possible (indicates exploitability)
- 乘 to take advantage of, to exploit
- 之 grammatical particle (possessive/attributive marker)
- 机 opportunity, chance
Example
公司管理松懈，给了竞争对手可乘之机。
gōng sī guǎn lǐ sōng xiè gěi le jìng zhēng duì shǒu kě chéng zhī jī
The company's lax management gave competitors an opportunity to exploit.
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- 后 rear; behind; what's left behind
- 顾 look back at; be concerned about
- 之 possessive particle (classical)
- 忧 worry; anxiety; concern
Example
有了稳定的工作,他就没有后顾之忧了。
yǒu le wěn dìng de gōng zuò tā jiù méi yǒu hòu gù zhī yōu le
With a stable job, he no longer has worries about the future.
-
- 天 heaven/natural; indicates natural or heavenly bonds
- 伦 relationships/ethics; refers to family relationships
- 之 possessive particle; means 'of'
- 乐 joy/happiness; the pleasure derived from something
Example
周末全家人聚在一起，享受天伦之乐。
zhōu mò quán jiā rén jù zài yì qǐ xiǎng shòu tiān lún zhī lè
On the weekend, the whole family gathers together and enjoys family happiness.
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- 当 to bear, to face (something deserved)
- 之 it (referring to the honor or recognition)
- 无 without, not have
- 愧 shame, guilt, ashamed
Example
她获得这个奖项当之无愧。
tā huò dé zhè ge jiǎng xiàng dāng zhī wú kuì
She fully deserves this award.
-
Example
提高教育质量是国家的当务之急。
tí gāo jiào yù zhì liàng shì guó jiā de dāng wù zhī jí
Improving education quality is the nation's top priority.
-
- 总 overall, general (provides the summarizing aspect)
- 而 and (grammatical connector linking 'overall' to 'speaking')
- 言 to speak, words (indicates verbal expression)
- 之 it (classical particle completing the phrase)
Example
总而言之，学习中文需要耐心和努力。
zǒng ér yán zhī xué xí zhōng wén xū yào nài xīn hé nǔ lì
In summary, learning Chinese requires patience and effort.
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- 持 to hold; to maintain
- 之 it; this (classical particle)
- 以 with; by means of
- 恒 constancy; permanence; perseverance
Example
只要持之以恒，你一定能成功。
zhǐ yào chí zhī yǐ héng nǐ yí dìng néng chéng gōng
As long as you persevere, you will definitely succeed.
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- 敬 to respect, to revere
- 而 but, yet (conjunction connecting respect and distance)
- 远 far, distant (to keep at a distance)
- 之 it, them (classical pronoun referring to the object being kept at distance)
Example
他对那些复杂的人际关系总是敬而远之。
tā duì nà xiē fù zá de rén jì guān xi zǒng shì jìng ér yuǎn zhī
He always maintains a respectful distance from those complex interpersonal relationships.
-
Example
健康是人生中的无价之宝。
jiàn kāng shì rén shēng zhōng de wú jià zhī bǎo
Health is a priceless treasure in life.
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- 重 important, weighty (first occurrence, indicating something of importance)
- 中 among, within (indicating selection from a group)
- 之 of (classical possessive particle connecting the concepts)
- 重 important, weighty (second occurrence, completing the emphatic structure)
Example
教育是国家发展的重中之重。
jiào yù shì guó jiā fā zhǎn de zhòng zhōng zhī zhòng
Education is the top priority for national development.
不 bù — not; negates the following character
Words with this character (171)
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- 不 not, negation marker
- 客 guest, polite (being formal as a guest would)
- 气 manner, attitude, air (of behavior)
Example
不客气，这是我应该做的。
bú kè qi zhè shì wǒ yīng gāi zuò de
You're welcome, it's what I should do.
-
Example
不要担心，一切都会好的。
bú yào dān xīn yí qiè dōu huì hǎo de
Don't worry, everything will be fine.
-
Example
我真的对不起大家。
wǒ zhēn de duì bu qǐ dà jiā
I'm really sorry to everyone.
-
- 不 not (negation)
- 好 good; easy
- 意 meaning; intention (first part of 意思)
- 思 thought; meaning (second part of 意思)
Example
不好意思，请问洗手间在哪里？
bù hǎo yì si qǐng wèn xǐ shǒu jiān zài nǎ lǐ
Excuse me, may I ask where the restroom is?
-
Example
今天天气不错。
jīn tiān tiān qì bú cuò
The weather is pretty good today.
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Example
他不久就会回来。
tā bù jiǔ jiù huì huí lái
He will come back soon.
-
Example
这个菜不但好吃，而且很便宜。
zhè ge cài bú dàn hǎo chī ér qiě hěn pián yi
This dish is not only delicious, but also very cheap.
-
Example
每个人的想法都不同。
měi gè rén de xiǎng fǎ dōu bù tóng
Everyone's thoughts are different.
-
Example
你不用担心，一切都会好的。
nǐ bú yòng dān xīn yí qiè dōu huì hǎo de
You need not worry, everything will be fine.
-
Example
这个方法不行，我们需要换一个。
zhè ge fāng fǎ bù xíng wǒ men xū yào huàn yí ge
This method won't do, we need to switch to another one.
-
Example
我的钥匙不见了。
wǒ de yào shi bú jiàn le
My keys have disappeared.
-
Example
我差不多完成了作业。
wǒ chà bu duō wán chéng le zuò yè
I've almost finished my homework.
-
Example
他不仅聪明，而且勤奋。
tā bù jǐn cōng míng ér qiě qín fèn
He is not only smart but also hardworking.
-
Example
这个时间对我很不便。
zhè ge shí jiān duì wǒ hěn bú biàn
This time is very inconvenient for me.
-
Example
他不光会说中文，还会说英文。
tā bù guāng huì shuō zhōng wén hái huì shuō yīng wén
He not only speaks Chinese, but also speaks English.
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Example
他学习不够努力。
tā xué xí bú gòu nǔ lì
He doesn't study hard enough.
-
Example
他的成绩不如我。
tā de chéng jì bù rú wǒ
His grades are not as good as mine.
-
Example
我不得不承认你是对的。
wǒ bù dé bù chéng rèn nǐ shì duì de
I have to admit you are right.
-
Example
不必客气，请随便坐。
bú bì kè qi qǐng suí biàn zuò
No need to be polite, please sit anywhere.
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Example
科技不断发展，改变着我们的生活。
kē jì bú duàn fā zhǎn gǎi biàn zhe wǒ men de shēng huó
Technology continuously develops, changing our lives.
-
Example
他对这个结果很不满。
tā duì zhè ge jié guǒ hěn bù mǎn
He is very dissatisfied with this result.
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Example
不管天气怎么样，我都要去。
bù guǎn tiān qì zěn me yàng wǒ dōu yào qù
No matter what the weather is like, I will go.
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Example
不论天气如何，我们都要出发。
bú lùn tiān qì rú hé wǒ men dōu yào chū fā
No matter what the weather is like, we must set off.
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- 不 provides the negative or limiting sense
- 过 relates to surpassing or going beyond; together with 不 forms a contrastive conjunction
Example
这道菜很好吃，不过有点儿贵。
zhè dào cài hěn hǎo chī bú guò yǒu diǎnr guì
This dish is delicious, however it's a bit expensive.
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Example
这种天气我受不了。
zhè zhǒng tiān qì wǒ shòu bu liǎo
I can't stand this kind of weather.
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Example
我来不及吃早饭就走了。
wǒ lái bù jí chī zǎo fàn jiù zǒu le
I didn't have time to eat breakfast and left.
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Example
形势对我们不利。
xíng shì duì wǒ men bù lì
The situation is unfavorable to us.
-
Example
这是一个不幸的消息。
zhè shì yí gè bú xìng de xiāo xi
This is unfortunate news.
-
- 不 not; negation indicating inability
- 得 able to; can; indicating capability
- 了 finish; complete; settle
Example
如果不小心，后果不得了。
rú guǒ bù xiǎo xīn hòu guǒ bù dé liǎo
If you're not careful, the consequences will be terrible.
-
Example
你要快点，不然会迟到。
nǐ yào kuài diǎn bù rán huì chí dào
You need to hurry, otherwise you'll be late.
-
Example
他的行为不符公司规定。
tā de xíng wéi bù fú gōng sī guī dìng
His behavior doesn't conform to company regulations.
-
Example
他有不良的生活习惯。
tā yǒu bù liáng de shēng huó xí guàn
He has bad lifestyle habits.
-
- 不 not; provides negation
- 要 important/need; forms 'important' with 紧
- 紧 tight/urgent/critical; combines with 要 to mean 'important'
Example
你别担心，不要紧的。
nǐ bié dān xīn bú yào jǐn de
Don't worry, it doesn't matter.
-
Example
睡眠不足会影响健康。
shuì mián bù zú huì yǐng xiǎng jiàn kāng
Insufficient sleep affects health.
-
Example
他是一个了不起的人。
tā shì yí ge liǎo bu qǐ de rén
He is a remarkable person.
-
- 从 from (indicates temporal starting point, contributing to 'at no time')
- 不 not (negation that combines with 从 to form 'never')
Example
他从不迟到。
tā cóng bù chí dào
He is never late.
-
- 舍 to give up, to part with
- 不 not (negation)
- 得 complement particle indicating capability or possibility
Example
孩子舍不得扔掉旧玩具。
hái zi shě bu de rēng diào jiù wán jù
The child cannot bear to throw away old toys.
-
- 要 forms part of the conditional phrase (originally 'want/will')
- 不 negation marker 'not'
- 是 completes the conditional construction (originally 'to be')
Example
要不是你帮忙，我完不成这个项目。
yào bù shì nǐ bāng máng wǒ wán bù chéng zhè ge xiàng mù
If it were not for your help, I couldn't complete this project.
-
- 要 introduces a conditional sense, 'if one needs/wants'
- 不 negation, 'not'
- 然 so, thus; completes 'if not so' meaning
Example
快点走吧，要不然会迟到的。
kuài diǎn zǒu ba yào bù rán huì chí dào de
Hurry up, otherwise we'll be late.
-
Example
他说不定会来。
tā shuō bu dìng huì lái
He might come.
-
Example
听到这个消息，我感到很不安。
tīng dào zhè ge xiāo xi wǒ gǎn dào hěn bù ān
Hearing this news, I felt very uneasy.
-
Example
饭后不宜立即运动。
fàn hòu bù yí lì jí yùn dòng
It's not advisable to exercise immediately after eating.
-
Example
她赞叹不已。
tā zàn tàn bù yǐ
She praised it endlessly.
-
Example
考试时不得交谈。
kǎo shì shí bù dé jiāo tán
You must not talk during the exam.
-
Example
这样不成，我们得想别的办法。
zhè yàng bù chéng wǒ men děi xiǎng bié de bàn fǎ
This won't do, we have to think of another way.
-
Example
天气预报说会晴天，不料下起了大雨。
tiān qì yù bào shuō huì qíng tiān bú liào xià qǐ le dà yǔ
The weather forecast said it would be sunny, but unexpectedly it started raining heavily.
-
Example
他不时地看一下手表。
tā bù shí de kàn yī xià shǒu biǎo
He looks at his watch from time to time.
-
Example
他不曾放弃过自己的梦想。
tā bù céng fàng qì guò zì jǐ de mèng xiǎng
He has never given up on his dreams.
-
Example
他不止一次提醒我。
tā bù zhǐ yī cì tí xǐng wǒ
He reminded me more than once.
-
Example
听到这个好消息，他不禁笑了起来。
tīng dào zhè ge hǎo xiāo xi tā bù jīn xiào le qǐ lái
Hearing this good news, he couldn't help but smile.
-
Example
她用不耐烦的语气回答问题。
tā yòng bú nài fán de yǔ qì huí dá wèn tí
She answered the question in an impatient tone.
-
Example
虽然他很忙，但不至于连电话都不接。
suī rán tā hěn máng dàn bú zhì yú lián diàn huà dōu bù jiē
Although he's busy, he won't go so far as to not answer the phone.
-
Example
妈妈不许我看电视。
mā ma bù xǔ wǒ kàn diàn shì
Mom doesn't allow me to watch TV.
-
Example
他今天身体不适，没有来上班。
tā jīn tiān shēn tǐ bù shì méi yǒu lái shàng bān
He's unwell today and didn't come to work.
-
Example
他不顾危险冲进了火场。
tā bú gù wēi xiǎn chōng jìn le huǒ chǎng
He disregarded the danger and rushed into the fire scene.
-
Example
他好不容易才找到工作。
tā hǎo bù róng yì cái zhǎo dào gōng zuò
He found a job with great difficulty.
-
Example
他毫不犹豫地答应了。
tā háo bù yóu yù de dā ying le
He agreed without hesitation.
-
Example
你不应该看不起别人。
nǐ bù yīng gāi kàn bu qǐ bié rén
You shouldn't look down on others.
-
Example
她是一个一丝不苟的科学家。
tā shì yí ge yì sī bù gǒu de kēxuéjiā
She is a meticulous scientist.
-
Example
石像一动不动。
shí xiàng yí dòng bù dòng
The stone statue is motionless.
-
Example
面对批评，他保持一声不吭的态度。
miàn duì pī píng tā bǎo chí yì shēng bù kēng de tài du
Facing criticism, he maintained a silent attitude.
-
Example
一成不变的做法已经过时了。
yì chéng bù biàn de zuò fǎ yǐ jīng guò shí le
The unchanging approach is already outdated.
-
Example
这个老板一毛不拔，从不给员工加薪。
zhè ge lǎo bǎn yì máo bù bá cóng bù gěi yuán gōng jiā xīn
This boss is extremely stingy and never gives employees raises.
-
Example
面对指责，他一言不发。
miàn duì zhǐ zé tā yì yán bù fā
Faced with accusations, he didn't say a word.
-
Example
这个项目的投资不下一千万元。
zhè ge xiàng mù de tóu zī bú xià yī qiān wàn yuán
The investment in this project is no less than ten million yuan.
-
Example
这个城市不乏优秀的餐厅。
zhè ge chéng shì bù fá yōu xiù de cān tīng
This city has no lack of excellent restaurants.
-
- 不 not; negates the action of concluding
- 了 to finish, to settle; indicates completion
- 了 to finish; reinforces the sense of completion
- 之 it, this (classical particle); refers to the matter
Example
这件事不能不了了之，我们必须找到解决办法。
zhè jiàn shì bù néng bù liǎo liǎo zhī wǒ men bì xū zhǎo dào jiě jué bàn fǎ
This matter cannot be left unresolved; we must find a solution.
-
Example
法院不予受理这个案件。
fǎ yuán bù yǔ shòu lǐ zhè ge àn jiàn
The court refuses to accept this case.
-
Example
她的成就不亚于她的老师。
tā de chéng jiù bú yà yú tā de lǎo shī
Her achievements are no less than her teacher's.
-
- 不 not (part of classical rhetorical structure)
- 亦 also (classical particle for emphasis)
- 乐 joy; happy (core meaning element)
- 乎 classical final particle (forms rhetorical question)
Example
孩子们玩得不亦乐乎。
hái zi men wán de bú yì lè hū
The children played to their heart's content.
-
Example
他对我的建议不以为然。
tā duì wǒ de jiàn yì bù yǐ wéi rán
He disapproves of my suggestion.
-
Example
他不假思索地回答了问题。
tā bù jiǎ sī suǒ de huí dá le wèn tí
He answered the question without thinking.
-
Example
他的行为真是不像话！
tā de xíng wéi zhēn shì bù xiàng huà
His behavior is really outrageous!
-
Example
独自在外，不免想家。
dú zì zài wài bù miǎn xiǎng jiā
Being alone away from home, one inevitably misses home.
-
Example
这里不准吸烟。
zhè lǐ bù zhǔn xī yān
Smoking is not allowed here.
-
Example
他的管理不力导致了公司的损失。
tā de guǎn lǐ bú lì dǎo zhì le gōng sī de sǔn shī
His ineffective management led to the company's losses.
-
Example
他投资了很多不动产。
tā tóu zī le hěn duō bú dòng chǎn
He invested in a lot of real estate.
-
- 不 not, negation
- 厌 to tire of, to be weary of
- 其 its, that (possessive/demonstrative)
- 烦 trouble, annoyance, bother
Example
老师不厌其烦地给学生解释这个问题。
lǎo shī bù yàn qí fán de gěi xué sheng jiě shì zhè ge wèn tí
The teacher tirelessly explains this problem to the students.
-
Example
我的汉语水平不及你。
wǒ de hàn yǔ shuǐ píng bù jí nǐ
My Chinese level is not as good as yours.
-
Example
大自然的力量真是不可思议。
dà zì rán de lì liàng zhēn shì bù kě sī yì
The power of nature is truly inconceivable.
-
- 不 not (negation marker)
- 可 can/may (possibility marker)
- 或 or (creates sense of 'or lacking')
- 缺 lack/be missing
Example
水对于生命来说是不可或缺的。
shuǐ duì yú shēng mìng lái shuō shì bù kě huò quē de
Water is indispensable to life.
-
Example
他不堪重负，终于病倒了。
tā bù kān zhòng fù zhōng yú bìng dǎo le
Unable to bear the heavy burden, he finally fell ill.
-
Example
情况不妙，我们必须马上离开。
qíng kuàng bú miào wǒ men bì xū mǎ shàng lí kāi
The situation is bad, we must leave immediately.
-
Example
天气这么好，不妨出去走走。
tiān qì zhè me hǎo bù fáng chū qù zǒu zou
The weather is so nice, might as well go out for a walk.
-
Example
这个计划的时间还不定。
zhè ge jì huà de shí jiān hái bú dìng
The time for this plan is still uncertain.
-
Example
形势不容乐观。
xíng shì bù róng lè guān
The situation does not allow for optimism.
-
Example
他不屑与那些人为伍。
tā bú xiè yǔ nà xiē rén wéi wǔ
He disdains to associate with those people.
-
Example
他对这个决定感到不平。
tā duì zhè ge jué dìng gǎn dào bù píng
He felt indignant about this decision.
-
Example
他的行为很不当。
tā de xíng wéi hěn bú dàng
His behavior is very improper.
-
Example
我不得已才这样做的。
wǒ bù dé yǐ cái zhè yàng zuò de
I had no choice but to do this.
-
Example
至于他为什么离开，我们不得而知。
zhì yú tā wèi shén me lí kāi wǒ men bù dé ér zhī
As for why he left, we don't know.
-
Example
他不惜一切代价保护家人。
tā bù xī yí qiè dài jià bǎo hù jiā rén
He spares no cost to protect his family.
-
Example
他不愧是冠军。
tā bú kuì shì guàn jūn
He is indeed a champion.
-
Example
这次事故源于不慎的操作。
zhè cì shì gù yuán yú bú shèn de cāo zuò
This accident stemmed from careless operation.
-
Example
他不懈的努力终于获得了成功。
tā bú xiè de nǔ lì zhōng yú huò dé le chéng gōng
His unremitting efforts finally achieved success.
-
- 不 not, negation (negating discount)
- 折 discount, reduction
- 不 not, negation (negating deduction)
- 扣 deduct, deduction
Example
他是一个不折不扣的好人。
tā shì yí gè bù zhé bù kòu de hǎo rén
He is a complete and absolute good person.
-
Example
不敢当，这都是大家的功劳。
bù gǎn dāng zhè dōu shì dà jiā de gōng láo
I don't deserve it, this is everyone's achievement.
-
Example
今年经济不景气，很多公司倒闭了。
jīn nián jīng jì bù jǐng qì hěn duō gōng sī dǎo bì le
This year the economy is depressed, and many companies have gone bankrupt.
-
Example
他对这个判决不服。
tā duì zhè ge pàn jué bù fú
He refuses to accept this judgment.
-
- 不 not, negation marker
- 正 proper, correct, righteous
- 之 of (classical possessive marker)
- 风 wind, trend, custom, atmosphere
Example
我们必须坚决抵制社会上的不正之风。
wǒ men bì xū jiān jué dǐ zhì shè huì shàng de bù zhèng zhī fēng
We must firmly resist unhealthy trends in society.
-
Example
警方打击不法分子。
jǐng fāng dǎ jī bù fǎ fèn zǐ
The police crack down on lawbreakers.
-
- 不 not, negation marker
- 由 by, through, control (in this context: having control over)
- 得 potential complement marker (indicates ability or possibility)
Example
看到这个场景，我不由得笑了起来。
kàn dào zhè ge chǎng jǐng wǒ bù yóu de xiào le qǐ lái
Seeing this scene, I couldn't help but laugh.
-
Example
听到这首歌，她不由自主地哭了起来。
tīng dào zhè shǒu gē tā bù yóu zì zhǔ de kū le qǐ lái
Hearing this song, she involuntarily started crying.
-
Example
这两支球队的水平不相上下，比赛非常激烈。
zhè liǎng zhī qiú duì de shuǐ píng bù xiāng shàng xià bǐ sài fēi cháng jī liè
These two teams are evenly matched, so the game is very intense.
-
- 不 not (negates 'knowing')
- 知 to know, to be aware
- 不 not (negates 'perceiving')
- 觉 to perceive, to sense, to feel
Example
时间不知不觉就过去了。
shí jiān bù zhī bù jué jiù guò qù le
Time passed unconsciously.
-
Example
孩子走丢了，妈妈急得不知所措。
hái zi zǒu diū le mā ma jí de bù zhī suǒ cuò
The child got lost, and the mother was so anxious she didn't know what to do.
-
Example
这不算迟到。
zhè bú suàn chí dào
This doesn't count as being late.
-
108 不约而同 bù yuē ér tóng — to happen to coincide; to agree by chance without prior consultation HSK 7
- 不 not, without
- 约 arrangement, agreement, appointment
- 而 yet, but (conjunction)
- 同 same, together, in unison
Example
听到这个消息，大家不约而同地鼓起掌来。
tīng dào zhè ge xiāo xi dà jiā bù yuē ér tóng de gǔ qǐ zhǎng lái
Upon hearing the news, everyone spontaneously applauded at the same time.
-
- 不 not, negation
- 经 to pass through, to experience (conscious processing)
- 意 intention, attention, awareness
Example
我不经意间看到了那封信。
wǒ bù jīng yì jiān kàn dào le nà fēng xìn
I inadvertently saw that letter.
-
Example
我的钱包不翼而飞了。
wǒ de qián bāo bú yì ér fēi le
My wallet disappeared without a trace.
-
Example
孔子虽然学问渊博，但他不耻下问，经常向普通人请教。
Kǒng zǐ suī rán xué wèn yuān bó dàn tā bù chǐ xià wèn jīng cháng xiàng pǔ tōng rén qǐng jiào
Although Confucius was very learned, he was not ashamed to learn from those below him and often consulted ordinary people.
-
Example
他是个不肖子孙。
tā shì gè bú xiào zǐ sūn
He is an unworthy descendant.
-
Example
贵的东西不见得就是好的。
guì de dōng xi bú jiàn dé jiù shì hǎo de
Expensive things are not necessarily good.
-
Example
我对他的行为感到不解。
wǒ duì tā de xíng wéi gǎn dào bù jiě
I don't understand his behavior.
-
- 不 not, without (negation)
- 言 to speak, words (verbal explanation)
- 而 yet, and (conjunction connecting contrasting ideas)
- 喻 to understand, to comprehend (grasp meaning)
Example
诚实的重要性不言而喻。
chéng shí de zhòng yào xìng bù yán ér yù
The importance of honesty is self-evident.
-
- 不 not (negation)
- 辞 take leave, say goodbye
- 而 and then, but (conjunction connecting actions)
- 别 part, leave, separate
Example
他昨天不辞而别，谁也不知道他去了哪里。
tā zuó tiān bù cí ér bié shuí yě bù zhī dào tā qù le nǎ lǐ
He left without saying goodbye yesterday, nobody knows where he went.
-
- 与 with, from (introduces comparison)
- 众 crowd, masses, others
- 不 not (negation marker)
- 同 same, identical
Example
她的穿衣风格与众不同。
tā de chuān yī fēng gé yǔ zhòng bù tóng
Her clothing style is distinctive.
-
Example
他面对两个工作机会，举棋不定，不知道该选哪个。
tā miàn duì liǎng gè gōng zuò jī huì jǔ qí bù dìng bù zhī dào gāi xuǎn nǎ ge
Faced with two job opportunities, he is hesitant and indecisive, not knowing which one to choose.
-
Example
她对烹饪乐此不疲，每天都尝试新菜谱。
tā duì pēng rèn lè cǐ bù pí měi tiān dōu cháng shì xīn cài pǔ
She takes delight in cooking and never tires of it, trying new recipes every day.
-
- 从 following, going with the flow
- 容 ease, composure, calmness
- 不 not (negation)
- 迫 pressed, hurried, urgent
Example
面对突发状况，他从容不迫地处理问题。
miàn duì tū fā zhuàng kuàng tā cóng róng bù pò de chǔ lǐ wèn tí
Facing the sudden situation, he handled the problem calmly and unhurriedly.
-
Example
新推出的产品供不应求，订单已经排到下个月了。
xīn tuī chū de chǎn pǐn gōng bù yìng qiú dìng dān yǐ jīng pái dào xià gè yuè le
The newly launched product is in short supply, orders are already booked until next month.
-
- 依 attached, clinging (emotional attachment)
- 依 repeated for emphasis, intensifying the reluctant feeling
- 不 not, negation
- 舍 willing to give up, bear to part with
Example
毕业时，同学们依依不舍地告别。
bì yè shí tóng xué men yī yī bù shě de gào bié
At graduation, the classmates said goodbye reluctantly.
-
Example
学习新语言免不了会犯错误。
xué xí xīn yǔ yán miǎn bu liǎo huì fàn cuò wù
When learning a new language, you cannot avoid making mistakes.
-
- 划 to calculate, to reckon (profitability)
- 不 not (negation)
- 来 feasible, workable (directional complement indicating result)
Example
坐出租车去太划不来了，我们坐地铁吧。
zuò chū zū chē qù tài huá bù lái le wǒ men zuò dì tiě ba
Taking a taxi is not worth it, let's take the subway.
-
Example
保护环境刻不容缓，我们应该从现在做起。
bǎo hù huán jìng kè bù róng huǎn wǒ men yīng gāi cóng xiàn zài zuò qǐ
Protecting the environment admits of no delay; we should start now.
-
- 力 strength, ability, capability
- 不 not, negation
- 从 follow, comply with
- 心 heart, mind, will, intention
Example
他虽然想帮忙，但因为身体不好，力不从心。
tā suī rán xiǎng bāng máng dàn yīn wèi shēn tǐ bù hǎo lì bù cóng xīn
Although he wanted to help, due to poor health, he was willing but unable.
-
Example
他动不动就生气。
tā dòng bu dòng jiù shēng qì
He gets angry at every turn.
-
Example
他的进攻势不可当，对手毫无还手之力。
tā de jìn gōng shì bù kě dāng duì shǒu háo wú huán shǒu zhī lì
His attack was irresistible, the opponent had no power to fight back.
-
- 可 expresses possibility or emphasis in the phrase
- 不 negation particle, part of the idiomatic expression
- 是 verb 'to be', combines with 可不 to form emphatic agreement
Example
今天真热。可不是！
jīn tiān zhēn rè kě bú shì
It's really hot today. Isn't it though!
-
Example
他的解释让我哭笑不得。
tā de jiě shì ràng wǒ kū xiào bù dé
His explanation left me not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
-
Example
大不了我们明天再来。
dà bu liǎo wǒ men míng tiān zài lái
At worst, we'll come back tomorrow.
-
Example
这个项目少不了你的帮助。
zhè ge xiàng mù shǎo bu liǎo nǐ de bāng zhù
This project cannot do without your help.
-
- 层 layer; suggests one after another in succession
- 出 come out, emerge; indicates appearance
- 不 not; negates the following character
- 穷 exhaust, end; with 不 means endless
Example
新的科技产品层出不穷。
xīn de kē jì chǎn pǐn céng chū bù qióng
New technology products emerge in an endless stream.
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Example
最近房价居高不下。
zuì jìn fáng jià jū gāo bú xià
Housing prices have remained at a high level recently.
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- 川 river, representing flowing water
- 流 flow, emphasizing the flowing motion
- 不 not, negation particle
- 息 stop, cease, to rest
Example
街上的车辆川流不息。
jiē shàng de chē liàng chuān liú bù xī
The vehicles on the street flow in an endless stream.
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- 巴 expresses strong desire or eagerness; an intensifier showing longing
- 不 part of the fixed idiomatic expression; does not function as simple negation here
- 得 completes the idiomatic expression; contributes to the meaning of 'obtaining' one's wish
Example
他巴不得马上回家。
tā bā bu dé mǎ shàng huí jiā
He is dying to go home immediately.
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Example
他们两个从小就形影不离。
tā men liǎng gè cóng xiǎo jiù xíng yǐng bù lí
The two of them have been inseparable since childhood.
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Example
熬夜学习虽然多记住了些东西，但损害了健康，得不偿失。
áo yè xué xí suī rán duō jì zhù le xiē dōng xi dàn sǔn hài le jiàn kāng dé bù cháng shī
Although staying up late to study helps you remember more things, it harms your health—the losses outweigh the gains.
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- 微 tiny, minute, minuscule
- 不 not, negation marker
- 足 sufficient, enough, worthy
- 道 to speak of, to mention, worth talking about
Example
相比整个项目的规模，这笔费用微不足道。
xiāng bǐ zhěng gè xiàng mù de guī mó zhè bǐ fèi yòng wēi bù zú dào
Compared to the scale of the entire project, this expense is negligible.
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Example
水是生命必不可少的元素。
shuǐ shì shēng mìng bì bù kě shǎo de yuán sù
Water is an indispensable element for life.
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Example
老师的教诲让我念念不忘。
lǎo shī de jiào huì ràng wǒ niàn niàn bù wàng
I always remember my teacher's teachings.
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Example
这件事怪不得你。
zhè jiàn shì guài bu de nǐ
This matter can't be blamed on you.
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- 恋 attachment, longing
- 恋 emphasis on attachment (repetition)
- 不 not, negative particle
- 舍 give up, part with
Example
孩子们恋恋不舍地离开了游乐园。
hái zi men liàn liàn bù shě de lí kāi le yóu lè yuán
The children reluctantly left the amusement park.
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Example
我恨不得马上回家。
wǒ hèn bu de mǎ shàng huí jiā
I wish I could go home right away.
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Example
看到这美丽的景色，她情不自禁地笑了。
kàn dào zhè měi lì de jǐng sè tā qíng bù zì jīn de xiào le
Seeing this beautiful scenery, she couldn't help but smile.
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Example
这个结果真是意想不到。
zhè ge jié guǒ zhēn shì yì xiǎng bù dào
This result is really unexpected.
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- 截 sharply, clearly (indicating a sharp distinction)
- 然 manner suffix (forms adverb emphasizing the state)
- 不 not (negation particle)
- 同 same, similar (the concept being negated)
Example
双胞胎的性格截然不同。
shuāng bāo tāi de xìng gé jié rán bù tóng
The twins' personalities are completely different.
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Example
突如其来的暴雨让我们措手不及。
tū rú qí lái de bào yǔ ràng wǒ men cuò shǒu bù jí
The sudden rainstorm caught us off guard.
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Example
他的学生无不敬佩他。
tā de xué sheng wú bù jìng pèi tā
All his students admire him without exception.
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- 无 no, without; negates the phrase that follows
- 微 tiny, minute; refers to the smallest details
- 不 not; negative particle
- 至 reach, arrive at; indicates that attention extends to all details
Example
母亲对孩子的照顾总是无微不至。
mǔ qīn duì hái zi de zhào gu zǒng shì wú wēi bù zhì
A mother's care for her children is always meticulous in every detail.
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Example
她做事总是有条不紊，从不慌乱。
tā zuò shì zǒng shì yǒu tiáo bù wěn cóng bù huāng luàn
She always does things in an orderly and methodical manner, never panicking.
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- 格 standard, pattern (first instance for emphasis)
- 格 standard, pattern (repetition for emphasis)
- 不 not (negation)
- 入 enter, fit in
Example
他在这个保守的环境中显得格格不入。
tā zài zhè ge bǎo shǒu de huán jìng zhōng xiǎn de gé gé bù rù
He seems out of place in this conservative environment.
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- 源 source, origin (first instance, emphasizing the continuous source)
- 源 source (repeated for emphasis, intensifying the continuous nature)
- 不 not (negation particle)
- 断 break, cut off (meaning to stop or interrupt)
Example
游客源源不断地来到这座古城。
yóu kè yuán yuán bù duàn de lái dào zhè zuò gǔ chéng
Tourists continuously come to this ancient city.
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- 滔 surging; indicates continuous flowing
- 滔 surging (repeated for emphasis); intensifies the continuous nature
- 不 not; negation
- 绝 to stop; to cease
Example
他滔滔不绝地讲了两个小时。
tā tāo tāo bù jué de jiǎng le liǎng gè xiǎo shí
He talked incessantly for two hours.
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155 爱不释手 ài bù shì shǒu — love something so much that one can't put it down; fondle admiringly HSK 7
- 爱 love; expresses fondness and affection
- 不 not; negation particle
- 释 release, let go; to put down
- 手 hand; the physical hand
Example
她收到礼物后爱不释手，一直拿在手里欣赏。
tā shōu dào lǐ wù hòu ài bù shì shǒu yì zhí ná zài shǒu lǐ xīn shǎng
After receiving the gift, she loved it so much she couldn't put it down, holding it in her hands and admiring it.
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- 犹 still, yet (expressing lingering uncertainty)
- 豫 hesitate, be uncertain
- 不 not (negation)
- 决 decide, determine
Example
面对重要决定时，不要犹豫不决。
miàn duì zhòng yào jué dìng shí bù yào yóu yù bù jué
When facing important decisions, don't be hesitant and indecisive.
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Example
孩子们目不转睛地看着魔术师的表演。
hái zi men mù bù zhuǎn jīng de kàn zhe mó shù shī de biǎo yǎn
The children stared fixedly at the magician's performance.
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- 禁 to restrain, to endure, to control
- 不 not, negation particle
- 住 to hold, to stop (resultative complement)
Example
她禁不住流下了眼泪。
tā jīn bu zhù liú xià le yǎn lèi
She couldn't help but shed tears.
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Example
我们素不相识，但他却帮助了我。
wǒ men sù bù xiāng shí dàn tā què bāng zhù le wǒ
We were complete strangers, but he helped me.
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- 经 through, undergo (indicating duration)
- 久 long time (specifying extended duration)
- 不 not (negation)
- 息 cease, stop (meaning unceasing when negated)
Example
演出结束后，观众的掌声经久不息。
yǎn chū jié shù hòu guān zhòng de zhǎng shēng jīng jiǔ bù xī
After the performance, the audience's applause lasted for a long time without stopping.
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- 络 to connect in a continuous network or chain
- 绎 to continue without interruption, to follow in succession
- 不 not
- 绝 to cut off, to stop, to cease
Example
春节期间，来寺庙烧香的人络绎不绝。
chūn jié qī jiān lái sì miào shāo xiāng de rén luò yì bù jué
During the Spring Festival, people coming to the temple to burn incense arrive in an endless stream.
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162 美中不足 měi zhōng bù zú — a fly in the ointment; the only flaw in something otherwise perfect HSK 7
Example
这个计划很完美，美中不足的是成本太高。
zhè ge jì huà hěn wán měi měi zhōng bù zú de shì chéng běn tài gāo
This plan is perfect, the only flaw is that the cost is too high.
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Example
面对困难，他自强不息，终于成功了。
miàn duì kùn nán tā zì qiáng bù xī zhōng yú chéng gōng le
Facing difficulties, he strove unremittingly and finally succeeded.
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Example
他的年龄我说不上。
tā de nián líng wǒ shuō bu shàng
I can't say his age.
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Example
客人们对酒店的服务赞不绝口。
kè rén men duì jiǔ diàn de fú wù zàn bù jué kǒu
The guests were full of praise for the hotel's service.
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- 足 foot (not stepping with one's feet)
- 不 not (negation marker)
- 出 to go out, to exit
- 户 door, household (the threshold of home)
Example
现在网购很方便，足不出户就能买到想要的东西。
xiàn zài wǎng gǒu hěn fāng biàn zú bù chū hù jiù néng mǎi dào xiǎng yào de dōng xi
Online shopping is very convenient now; you can buy what you want without leaving home.
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167 身不由己 shēn bù yóu jǐ — beyond one's control; involuntary; unable to act of one's own free will HSK 7
- 身 body, oneself, one's person
- 不 not (negation marker)
- 由 by, from, through (indicates agency or source)
- 己 self, oneself (emphasizes personal agency)
Example
在那种情况下，我也是身不由己。
zài nà zhǒng qíng kuàng xià wǒ yě shì shēn bù yóu jǐ
In that situation, I also had no choice.
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- 过 to pass; to cross; to go through
- 不 not; cannot (negation marker)
- 去 to go (directional complement indicating movement away)
Example
这条路太窄了，车过不去。
zhè tiáo lù tài zhǎi le chē guò bu qù
This road is too narrow, cars cannot get through.
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Example
你帮了我这么多忙，我真是过意不去。
nǐ bāng le wǒ zhè me duō máng wǒ zhēn shì guò yì bú qù
You've helped me so much, I really feel apologetic.
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Example
他迫不及待地打开了礼物。
tā pò bù jí dài de dǎ kāi le lǐ wù
He couldn't wait to open the gift.
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- 锲 to carve; represents continuous effort
- 而 and; conjunction linking the action with not stopping
- 不 not; negation indicating the absence of giving up
- 舍 to give up; what is not done in perseverance
Example
他锲而不舍地学习中文，终于通过了考试。
tā qiè ér bù shě de xué xí zhōng wén zhōng yú tōng guò le kǎo shì
He persistently studied Chinese and finally passed the exam.
易 yì — easy; refers to ease or simplicity
Words with this character (10)
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Example
学习中文不容易。
xué xí zhōng wén bù róng yì
Learning Chinese is not easy.
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Example
我们需要和他们交易货物。
wǒ men xū yào hé tā men jiāo yì huò wù
We need to trade goods with them.
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Example
不要轻易相信陌生人。
bù yào qīng yì xiāng xìn mò shēng rén
Don't trust strangers easily.
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- 好 intensifier emphasizing the degree of difficulty (very)
- 容 part of 容易 (easy); means 'to contain/allow'
- 易 part of 容易 (easy); means 'easy/simple'
Example
我好容易找到了这本书。
wǒ hǎo róng yì zhǎo dào le zhè běn shū
I finally found this book after much effort.
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Example
这个问题易于理解。
zhè ge wèn tí yì yú lǐ jiě
This problem is easy to understand.
Show more (+5)
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Example
国际贸易促进了经济发展。
guó jì mào yì cù jìn le jīng jì fā zhǎn
International trade promotes economic development.
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Example
请把易拉罐扔进回收箱。
qǐng bǎ yì lā guàn rēng jìn huí shōu xiāng
Please throw the aluminum can into the recycling bin.
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- 显 visible, evident, apparent
- 而 and, conjunction connecting two parts
- 易 easy, simple
- 见 to see, to perceive
Example
这个问题的答案显而易见。
zhè ge wèn tí de dá àn xiǎn ér yì jiàn
The answer to this question is obvious.
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Example
我们需要一个简易的解决方案。
wǒ men xū yào yí ge jiǎn yì de jiě jué fāng àn
We need a simple and easy solution.
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Example
对他来说，解决这个问题轻而易举。
duì tā lái shuō jiě jué zhè ge wèn tí qīng ér yì jǔ
For him, solving this problem is effortless.
Structure & writing
来 is a component in 1 characters
consists of
未 is a component in 6 characters
丷 is a component in 24 characters
Show more HSK 7 characters (+2)
Stroke order
之 is an atomic character — it does not decompose further.
Stroke order
不 is a component in 8 characters
不 is an atomic character — it does not decompose further.
Stroke order
consists of
日 is a component in 67 characters
Show more HSK 1 characters (+2)
Show more HSK 3 characters (+4)
Show more HSK 4 characters (+2)
Show more HSK 5 characters (+4)
Show more HSK 6 characters (+3)
Show more HSK 7 characters (+20)
勿 is a component in 6 characters
Stroke order