免得

• Pinyin: miǎn de
• Hanzi breakdown: 免 = 兔 variant (rabbit escaping), to avoid; 得 = 彳 + 寸 + 旦, to obtain (here grammaticalized)

Meaning

So as to avoid; lest; in order to prevent. A conjunction indicating prevention.

Functions like 'lest' or 'so as not to' — introduces a clause stating what should be prevented. Similar to 以免 (more formal) and 省得 (more colloquial). Structure: [action] + 免得 + [unwanted outcome]. Very common in spoken advice.

Examples

1. 你把手机号留给我，免得联系不上你。 Leave me your phone number so I won't be unable to reach you.
2. 出门前检查一下门窗，免得被小偷盯上。 Check the doors and windows before going out, so as not to attract thieves.
3. 话说清楚，免得以后产生误会。 Speak clearly to avoid misunderstandings later.

Usage Guide

Context: advice, instructions, warnings

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 早点出发，免得迟到。(Leave early so you won't be late.)
• 带把伞，免得淋雨。(Bring an umbrella so you won't get rained on.)

Don't Say

• 把免得放在句首 (免得 connects two clauses; it follows the suggested action)

Origin & History

Compound of 免 (avoid/exempt) + 得 (obtain/result). To avoid obtaining (an unwanted result).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal