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不能自已
bù néng zì yǐ◆idiom
cannot help oneself
听到这个消息，她激动得不能自已。
Upon hearing the news, she was too excited to contain herself.
literary
To be so emotionally overwhelmed that one cannot control one's feelings or actions.
看到孩子平安归来，母亲泪流满面，不能自已。
Seeing her child return safely, the mother was overcome with tears and couldn't help herself.
他听到这个笑话时，忍不住大笑，不能自已。
When he heard the joke, he burst into laughter he couldn't contain.
Often used to describe intense emotional reactions like joy, grief, or laughter.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Emotional Context
不能自已 is typically used for positive emotions like joy or excitement, but can also describe negative emotions like grief. Avoid using it for neutral or calm states.
Gold Rule
Idiom Usage
Cannot be used literally (e.g., not for physical inability). It always refers to emotional overwhelm.
Word Origin
From the classical Chinese text 'Book of Rites' (礼记), where it described the inability to control one's emotions in ritual contexts.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in both written and spoken Chinese to express a strong emotional state. Often appears in literary or formal contexts.
Word Breakdown
不能
cannot
verb自
oneself
pronoun已
stop
verb汉英词典