不由得

• Pinyin: bù yóu de
• Hanzi breakdown: 不 = 不 (not); 由 = 田 + 丨 (from/allow); 得 = 彳 + 寸 + 旦 (obtain)

Meaning

Cannot help but; involuntarily; instinctively.

Indicates an action or reaction that happens automatically without conscious control. Often used for emotional responses, reflexive actions, or natural reactions to stimuli.

Examples

1. 听到这个消息，她不由得流下了眼泪。 When she heard the news, she couldn’t help but burst into tears.
2. 看到美景，他不由得停下脚步。 When he saw the beautiful scenery, he couldn’t help but stop.
3. 回想起往事，我不由得感慨万千。 Thinking back on the past, I can’t help but feel deeply moved.

Usage Guide

Context: narration, emotional reactions, descriptions

Tone: emotional

Do Say

• 闻到花香，她不由得深吸一口气。(Smelling the flower fragrance, she involuntarily took a deep breath.)
• 他的话让我不由得想起了童年。(His words made me involuntarily think of my childhood.)

Don't Say

• 我不由得决定学习 — deliberate decisions are voluntary; 不由得 is for involuntary reactions

Origin & History

不 (not) + 由 (allow) + 得 (able) — cannot be controlled

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal