不宜

• Pinyin: bù yí
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 宜 = 宀 (roof) + 且 (moreover), meaning suitable or appropriate

Meaning

Not suitable; inadvisable; should not. Used to indicate that something is inappropriate under certain circumstances.

More formal and softer than 不应该 or 不能. Often appears in official guidelines, medical advice, or professional recommendations. Implies that while something isn't strictly forbidden, it's best avoided.

Examples

1. 饭后不宜立即进行剧烈运动。 Vigorous exercise is not advisable immediately after eating.
2. 这类敏感话题在公开场合不宜讨论。 Such sensitive topics are not appropriate for discussion in public settings.
3. 孕妇不宜服用这种药物。 Pregnant women should not take this medication.

Usage Guide

Context: advice, guidelines, medical

Tone: cautionary

Do Say

• 此处不宜停车。(Parking is not advisable here.)
• 睡前不宜喝咖啡。(It's not advisable to drink coffee before bed.)

Don't Say

• 这部电影不宜好看。(不宜 expresses advisability, not quality — use 不怎么 or 不太 for 'not very good')

Origin & History

不 (not) + 宜 (suitable, appropriate). 宜 originally depicted meat on a sacrificial altar, meaning what is fitting or proper.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated/Professional