禁不住 jīnbuzhù can't help it
can't help it; can't bear it
How to remember 禁不住: 禁 to restrict + 不 not + 住 live in = can't help it.
Characters
How it is used
- Can't help (doing) / can't hold back - 她禁不住笑了 (tā jīnbuzhù xiào le) she couldn't help laughing.
- Read jīn (first tone) in this sense. Also 'can't withstand': 禁不住考验 (jīnbuzhù kǎoyàn) unable to stand the test. Similar to 忍不住 for the involuntary-reaction meaning.
Example sentences
- 我禁不住想他会不会准时到。 Wǒ jīnbúzhù xiǎng tā huì búhuì zhǔnshí dào.I cannot help wondering if he will come on time.