巴不得

bā bù dé

HSK 2.0 Level 6 Verb Uncommon

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bā bù dé Verb to be eager for; to long for

bā bu de (coll.) to be eager for; to long for

Definitions

1. to be eager for
2. to long for
3. to look forward to

Word relationships

Related words

2 items

if only (sth were possible)

Expresses a hopeful wish; used for uncertain outcomes, unlike the strong eagerness of 巴不得.

to long for

Formal verb meaning to crave or yearn for, similar in intensity.

Synonyms

1 item

wishing one could do sth

Expresses strong eagerness, often with exaggeration; 恨不得 is typically followed by a clause describing an impossible wish, while 巴不得 is for a desired reality.

Usage notes

Collocations

Common pattern: 巴不得 + clause (often with 立刻/马上) to express eagerness for something feasible; e.g., 我巴不得马上回家.

Common mistakes

巴不得 is typically followed by a clause that describes something the speaker actually wants to happen and considers possible; it cannot be used for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact wishes like 恨不得.

Example Sentences

1 shown

我巴不得立刻见到你。

I can't wait to see you immediately.

AI-generated examples are marked with this icon.

Child Words of 巴不得

no; not so

to obtain

structural particle: used after a verb (or adjective as main verb), linking it to following phrase indicating effect, degree, possibility etc

to have to

must not