禁不住

• Pinyin: jīn bu zhù
• Desglose de hanzi: 禁 = 林 + 示 — to prohibit, to endure; 不 = negative particle; 住 = 亻+ 主 — to stop, to hold

Significado

No poder evitar; no poder resistirse; no poder aguantar.

Has two main uses: expressing inability to control an emotional or physical reaction (laughing, crying), or expressing inability to withstand pressure or examination. Interchangeable with 忍不住 in the first sense, but 禁不住 is slightly more formal.

Ejemplos

1. 听到那个笑话，她禁不住笑出了声。
2. 这种廉价的材料禁不住长期使用，很快就会损坏。
3. 他禁不住朋友的再三劝说，最终还是答应参加聚会。

Guía de uso

Contexto: emotions, durability, persuasion

Tono: descriptive

Correcto

• 我禁不住笑了起来。(I couldn't help but laugh.)
• 这把椅子禁不住重压。(This chair cannot withstand heavy weight.)

Incorrecto

• 在口语中总用'禁不住'代替'忍不住' (Don't always use 禁不住 instead of 忍不住 in casual speech — 忍不住 is more colloquial for emotional reactions)

Origen e historia

Composed of 禁 (to endure; to prohibit) + 不住 (not able to hold). Together meaning unable to restrain or withstand.

Contexto cultural

Generación: All ages

Contexto social: Universal