(bù dé bù) - have to, cannot but, must in Mandarin
bùdébùTraditional: 不得不
Translation
have to, cannot but, must
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Word origin
A three-character set phrase, literally 'not able not': 不 'not', 得 'to be able, to get', and 不 'not'. The double negative yields the meaning 'have no choice but to' or 'must'.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 不 (not) + 得 (able) + 不 (not)
Stroke order
不
得
不
Examples
。
I have to leave.
。
She cannot but accept reality.
。
He had no choice but to apologize.
，。
Because of the rain, we had to cancel.
。
He had no choice but to accept this fact.
不得不 (bù dé bù) means have to, cannot but, must. It is used as an expression in everyday Mandarin speech.
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Mandarin · Free printables
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Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "不得不" (have to, cannot but, must): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free week (no card)This word is taught in chapter 11, lesson 7: 不得不, 信息, 星期 and 7 more words.