不知不觉

bù zhī bù jué

HSK 3.0 Level 7 Uncommon

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Definitions

1. unconsciously
2. unwittingly

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Word relationships

Related words

2 items

• 渐渐 jiàn jiàn 渐渐 jiàn jiàn gradually gradually (emphasizes slow change, often used with 不知不觉): gradually
• 浑然不觉 hún rán bù jué 浑然不觉 hún rán bù jué totally unaware completely unaware (emphasizes lack of awareness, not gradual process): totally unaware

Synonyms

1 item

• 无意识 wú yì shí 无意识 wú yì shí unconscious unconsciously (more psychological, less about gradual change): unconscious

Usage notes

Collocations

Often followed by 地 to form an adverbial phrase, especially in formal writing: 不知不觉地 (bùzhī-bùjué de).

Common mistakes

Don't use 不知不觉 with volitional verbs like 学习 or 工作; it implies an unconscious process, not intentional actions.

Example Sentences

1 shown

不知不觉 ，天已经黑了。

Unconsciously, it had already gotten dark.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 不知不觉

• 不 不 bù: no; not so
• 不知 不知 bù zhī: not to know
• 觉 觉 jiào: a nap
• 觉 觉 jué: to feel
• 不觉 不觉 bù jué: unconsciously
• 知 知 zhī: to know