About
The word 忍不住 is formed by combining three distinct characters to create a vivid, almost physical metaphor for reaching a breaking point. It begins with 忍 (rěn), meaning "to endure" or "to bear", depicting a heart (心) under a blade (刃), symbolizing forbearance. This is directly negated by 不 (bù), "not", creating the concept of "cannot endure". The final character 住 (zhù) adds a crucial dimension of cessation or stability, often implying "to stop" or "to hold". Thus, the entire construction visually and conceptually paints the picture of an endurance that cannot be held in place any longer, inevitably giving way to an action or expression. It captures the moment when internal pressure overcomes restraint.
Example Sentences Hide
看到他的表演，我忍不住笑了。
那个孩子太可爱了，我忍不住想抱抱他。
听到这个悲伤的消息，她忍不住流下了眼泪。
每次路过那家面包店，我都忍不住要买一个蛋糕。
尽管知道不应该打断别人说话，他还是忍不住发表了自己的意见。