非…不可
HSK 5- Emphasis
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The structure 非…不可 is used to emphasize obligation, meaning "must definitely do something" or "cannot but do something."
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The structure 非…不可 uses double negation (非 meaning "not" and 不可 meaning "cannot") to produce a very strong affirmative meaning: must absolutely do something, with no other option. It expresses determination, obligation, or sometimes stubbornness. Its degree of emphasis is stronger than 必须 (bìxū) or 得 (děi).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这件衣服我非买不可。繁: 這件衣服我非買不可。Zhè jiàn yīfu wǒ fēi mǎi bùkě.
I must buy this shirt no matter what.
- 他病得很重，非去医院不可。繁: 他病得很重，非去醫院不可。Tā bìng de hěn zhòng, fēi qù yīyuàn bùkě.
He is seriously ill and must go to the hospital.
- 这件事你非说清楚不可。繁: 這件事你非說清楚不可。Zhè jiàn shì nǐ fēi shuō qīngchu bùkě.
You must explain this matter clearly.
- 明天的会议很重要，你非参加不可。繁: 明天的會議很重要，你非參加不可。Míngtiān de huìyì hěn zhòngyào, nǐ fēi cānjiā bùkě.
Tomorrow's meeting is very important, and you must attend without fail.
- 为了孩子，这个苦我非吃不可。繁: 為了孩子，這個苦我非吃不可。Wèile háizi, zhège kǔ wǒ fēi chī bùkě.
For the sake of my children, I have no choice but to endure this hardship.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:我非买不可这本书。Correct:我非买这本书不可。
不可 must not stand at the end. The object (这本书) must be placed between the verb (买) and 不可.
- Wrong:你有点累，非休息不可。Correct:你有点累，应该休息一下。
非…不可 expresses very strong obligation and is not used for ordinary advice; 应该 (should) would be more appropriate.