不已

• Pinyin: bù yǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = not; 已 = a pictograph showing a plow stopping, meaning to stop or cease

Meaning

Endlessly; incessantly; without stopping. Indicates a state or emotion that continues unabated.

Often follows emotional or physical states to emphasize their intensity and persistence. Common collocations include 激动不已, 感慨不已, 兴奋不已. Has a literary flavor and appears frequently in written Chinese.

Examples

1. 听到获奖的消息，她激动不已，眼泪都流下来了。 Upon hearing the news of winning the award, she was so overwhelmed with emotion that tears streamed down her face.
2. 看着老照片，他感慨不已，往事历历在目。 Looking at the old photos, he was filled with endless nostalgia — the memories came flooding back.
3. 这个研究发现让科学家们兴奋不已。 This research discovery has scientists absolutely thrilled.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, reactions, written Chinese

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 他对此后悔不已。(He regrets this endlessly.)
• 孩子们兴奋不已。(The children were beside themselves with excitement.)

Don't Say

• 雨下不已。(For weather, use 下个不停 — 不已 is typically for emotions or reactions)

Origin & History

不 (not) + 已 (to stop, to end). Literally 'not stopping,' indicating something that continues without cease.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated