不得不
bù dé bù
Definitions
- 1. have no choice or option but to
- 2. cannot but
- 3. have to
- 4. can't help it
- 5. can't avoid
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Word relationships
Usage notes
Common mistakes
不得不 emphasizes a reluctant, unavoidable choice, while 必须 indicates a general obligation or requirement.
Formality
不得不 is slightly more formal and is more common in written Chinese, whereas 没法不 is more colloquial.
Example Sentences
4 shown我 不得不 去。
I have no choice but to go.
由于丑闻，他 不得不 下台。
Due to the scandal, he had to step down.
在权威面前，他 不得不 俯首。
He had to bow his head before authority.
由于经济衰退，公司 不得不 裁员。
Due to the economic recession, the company had to lay off employees.
AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.