少不了

• Pinyin: shǎo bu liǎo
• Hanzi breakdown: 少 = 小 + 丿(few, lacking); 不 = negation; 了 = 子 + hook (completion marker)

Meaning

Cannot do without; indispensable; sure to have. Indicates something is necessary or inevitable.

Used to express that something is essential, unavoidable, or bound to happen. Can refer to people, items, or events. Has both practical (something is needed) and inevitable (something will certainly occur) meanings.

Examples

1. 筹备婚礼少不了家人的帮忙。 When you’re planning a wedding, you can’t do without your family’s help.
2. 做生意少不了人脉和资金。 In business, you can’t do without connections and capital.
3. 这次聚会少不了他的精彩表演。 This gathering wouldn’t be complete without his wonderful performance.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, planning, social

Tone: assertive

Do Say

• 成功创业少不了坚持和不断学习。(Successful entrepreneurship cannot do without perseverance and continuous learning.)
• 过年少不了一顿丰盛的年夜饭。(The New Year is never complete without a sumptuous reunion dinner.)

Don't Say

• 把少不了理解为'少了就不行' — 少不了 is a fixed phrase meaning 'indispensable/sure to happen,' not just the literal sum of its parts

Origin & History

少 (lacking/without) + 不了 (cannot finish/cannot do) — cannot manage without something

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal