不得已
bù dé yǐ HSK 6

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

他不得已放弃了计划。
Tā bùdéyǐ fàngqì le jìhuà.
He was forced to give up the plan.
我不得已选择了离开。
Wǒ bùdéyǐ xuǎnzé le líkāi.
I had no alternative but to choose to leave.
这是不得已的决定。
Zhè shì bùdéyǐ de juédìng.
This is a decision made out of necessity.
他不得已辞职。
Tā bùdéyǐ cízhí.
He was forced to resign.
我不得已同意。
Wǒ bùdéyǐ tóngyì.
I had no choice but to agree.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 不 (not) + 得 (get) + 已 (stop). Think: 'Not getting to stop'—you're forced to continue because there's no other way. Associate it with situations where you 'have no choice but to' act.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, common in both spoken and written Chinese. It often appears in explanations or justifications for actions, such as in personal dilemmas, business decisions, or narratives where someone is reluctantly compelled to act.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used in patterns like '是不得已的' (it's unavoidable) or '不得已才...' (only do something because there's no choice). It can modify nouns (e.g., 不得已的情况) or serve as an adverbial phrase in sentences.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, using 不得已 can convey humility or regret, as it implies the action was taken reluctantly to avoid greater harm or due to social pressures, aligning with values of harmony and necessity over personal desire.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar to 不得不 (bùdébù), which also means 'have to,' but 不得已 emphasizes a stronger sense of being forced by circumstances, often with a negative or reluctant connotation, while 不得不 is more neutral and general for obligations.

Master this word with quizzes, flashcards & more

Learn 不得已 in CILI →

Related Words