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HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 6+ 8 min read 4 focus words

Inevitability with 难免 and 免不了

Use 难免 and 免不了 for realistic, advanced Chinese judgments.

Inevitability with 难免 and 免不了 cover

Pattern

难免/免不了 + undesirable result

Say an unwanted outcome is hard to avoid.

第一次负责项目，难免会有失误。

When to use Inevitability with 难免 and 免不了

难免 and 免不了 both point to something that is difficult to avoid. They often soften criticism by treating the result as understandable.

时间这么紧，大家免不了有压力。

With time this tight, everyone inevitably has pressure.

交流不充分，误会难免发生。

If communication is insufficient, misunderstandings are bound to happen.

长期加班，身体免不了受影响。

With long-term overtime, the body is inevitably affected.

改革初期，争议难免存在。

In the early stage of reform, disputes are hard to avoid.

Common traps

  • 难免 often pairs with undesirable but understandable results.
  • Do not use it for something pleasant unless the tone is ironic.
  • 免不了 is slightly more conversational than 难免.

Support vocabulary

失误
shī wù
→
压力
yā lì
→

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

第一次负责项目， 会有失误。

When responsible for a project for the first time, mistakes are hard to avoid.
Missing grammar piece
Meanings
hard to avoid; inevitably