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不得不

bù dé bù

HSK 4

Meaning

  • have no choice or option but to
  • cannot but
  • have to
  • can't help it
  • can't avoid

Definition

表示别无选择，必须做某事。

Have no choice but to; cannot but; have to.

Usage

常用于强调由于客观情况或外界压力，迫使主语不得不采取某种行动。后面接动词短语。

Often used to emphasize that due to objective circumstances or external pressure, the subject has no choice but to take a certain action. It is followed by a verb phrase.

Examples

  • 1 由于天气太差，我们不得不取消了野餐计划。 (Due to the bad weather, we had to cancel the picnic plans.)
  • 2 他不得不加班完成这个项目。 (He had to work overtime to finish this project.)
  • 3 面对证据，他不得不承认自己的错误。 (Faced with the evidence, he had to admit his mistake.)
  • 4 为了赶上火车，她不得不早起。 (To catch the train, she had to get up early.)
  • 5 疫情严重，我们不得不居家隔离。 (The pandemic is severe, we have to stay home in quarantine.)

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