不由得
HSK 6- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
Expresses an action or emotion that cannot be suppressed, occurring naturally and involuntarily.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
Used to express an action or emotion that arises naturally, beyond one's control or ability to suppress. Typically, some external stimulus causes you to involuntarily do something. 不由得 emphasizes spontaneity — the action is not intentional on the part of the speaker.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 看到他滑稽的样子，我不由得笑了起来。繁: 看到他滑稽的樣子，我不由得笑了起來。Kàn dào tā huájī de yàngzi, wǒ bùyóude xiào le qǐlái.
Seeing his ridiculous appearance, I couldn't help but burst out laughing.
- 听了这个故事，她不由得流下了眼泪。繁: 聽了這個故事，她不由得流下了眼淚。Tīng le zhège gùshi, tā bùyóude liú xià le yǎnlèi.
After hearing this story, she couldn't help but tears streamed down her face.
- 想到家乡的亲人，他不由得感到一阵心酸。繁: 想到家鄉的親人，他不由得感到一陣心酸。Xiǎng dào jiāxiāng de qīnrén, tā bùyóude gǎndào yí zhèn xīnsuān.
Thinking of his relatives back home, he couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.
- 看到这么美的风景，大家不由得赞叹起来。繁: 看到這麼美的風景，大家不由得讚歎起來。Kàn dào zhème měi de fēngjǐng, dàjiā bùyóude zàntàn qǐlái.
Seeing such beautiful scenery, everyone couldn't help but burst into praise.
- 读完这封信，我不由得佩服他的勇气。繁: 讀完這封信，我不由得佩服他的勇氣。Dú wán zhè fēng xìn, wǒ bùyóude pèifú tā de yǒngqì.
After reading this letter, I couldn't help but admire his courage.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:这个任务，我不由得完成。Correct:这个任务，我不得不完成。
不由得 denotes an involuntary reaction that cannot be suppressed, whereas 不得不 expresses compulsion or having no other choice.