不由自主

bù yóu zì zhǔ

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Uncommon

Save to list

Definitions

1. can't help; involuntarily (idiom)

Stop forgetting what you study.
Build recall daily.

Try HanyuGuide's Chinese review system with multiple choice, typed recall, tone-aware practice, and reviews scheduled before memory fades.

Start Free Trial $9.99 / year

Lifetime for $19.99 Try the 30-second demo

Word relationships

Related words

1 item

• 身不由己 shēn bù yóu jǐ 身不由己 shēn bù yóu jǐ without the freedom to act independently (idiom); involuntary involuntarily; without freedom of choice: without the freedom to act independently (idiom); involuntary

Synonyms

2 items

• 不禁 bù jīn 不禁 bù jīn can't help (doing sth) can't help (doing something): can't help (doing sth)
• 忍不住 rěn bu zhù 忍不住 rěn bu zhù cannot help can't bear; can't help: cannot help

Usage notes

Common mistakes

Used to describe uncontrollable emotional or physical reactions, not for deliberate decisions. Avoid using it when you consciously choose to do something.

Formality

Common in both spoken and written Chinese, but 不禁 is more literary.

Example Sentences

1 shown

看到那个笑话，他 不由自主 地笑了。

When he saw that joke, he couldn't help laughing.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 不由自主

• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 主 主 zhǔ: owner
• 由 由 yóu: to follow
• 自 自 zì: self
• 自主 自主 zì zhǔ: independent
• 不由 不由 bù yóu: can't help (doing sth)