以免 (in order to avoid)

• Pinyin: yǐmiǎn
• Formation: Precautionary Action + ，以免 + Undesirable Outcome
• Hanzi breakdown: 以 = single character meaning 'with/by means of'; 免 = derives from 兔 (rabbit), originally meant 'to escape,' now means 'to avoid'

Meaning

The conjunction 以免 is used before a clause to express the purpose of avoiding an undesirable outcome. It is equivalent to 'so as to avoid,' 'in order to prevent,' or 'lest.'

以免 is a conjunction used between a main clause and a subordinate clause, where the subordinate clause describes the situation to be avoided. It is more formal than 免得, which conveys a similar meaning but is more colloquial. The structure typically places the precautionary action before 以免 and the undesirable outcome after it. Unlike 为了不 which can appear at the beginning of a sentence, 以免 almost always appears in the middle, connecting two clauses. It is particularly common in written Chinese, formal speech, announcements, and instructions.

Examples

1. 出门前检查一下门窗，以免被小偷光顾。 Check the doors and windows before going out, so as to avoid a break-in.
2. 请提前十五分钟到达会场，以免迟到影响会议进程。 Please arrive at the venue fifteen minutes early to avoid being late and disrupting the meeting.
3. 食物要放进冰箱保存，以免变质。 Food should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent it from going bad.

Usage Guide

Context: written, formal, instructions

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 记得带上雨伞，以免淋雨感冒。
• 合同条款要仔细核对，以免日后产生纠纷。
• 尽量少吃油腻的食物，以免加重肠胃负担。

Don't Say

• 以免下雨，我带了伞。(以免 introduces the undesirable outcome to be avoided, not the reason for an action — restructure so the precaution comes first) → 我带了伞，以免淋雨。
• 我以免迟到了。(以免 must be followed by a clause describing what is being avoided, not used as a standalone verb — use 为了不 or restructure the sentence) → 我提前出发了，以免迟到。

Origin & History

以免 is a formal conjunction combining 以 (in order to) and 免 (avoid/exempt). It originates from classical Chinese and retains a somewhat literary flavor in modern usage, though it is widely used in both spoken and written Mandarin for expressing preventive purpose.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal