不得不

• Pinyin: bù dé bù
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = negation; 得 = 彳(step) + 寸 (inch) + 旦 (dawn), meaning to obtain or be able to; 不 = negation

Meaning

Have no choice but to; cannot but; have to. Expresses being compelled to do something reluctantly.

A double-negative construction (不-得-不) that creates a strong sense of obligation or compulsion. Implies the speaker has no alternative and must do something, often unwillingly. Stronger than 必须 in conveying reluctance.

Examples

1. 因为下大雨，我们不得不取消了这次活动。 Because of the heavy rain, we had no choice but to cancel the event.
2. 他的病很严重，不得不住院治疗。 His illness was serious, so he had to be hospitalised for treatment.
3. 为了赶上飞机，我不得不凌晨四点起床。 To catch the flight, I had no choice but to get up at four in the morning.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, narrative, explanation

Tone: reluctant

Do Say

• 路太堵了，我不得不走路去。(The traffic was too congested, so I had no choice but to walk.)
• 她不得不放弃了这个机会。(She had no choice but to give up this opportunity.)

Don't Say

• 我不得不喜欢吃冰淇淋 (Don't use 不得不 for voluntary preferences — it implies reluctance and compulsion. Say 我很喜欢吃冰淇淋)

Origin & History

Triple construction: 不 (not) + 得 (able to) + 不 (not), literally 'not able to not do' — a double negative emphasising inevitability.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal