Definition & Meaning

involuntarily; can't help; in spite of oneself

Word usage

bù yóu zì zhǔ

不 由 自 主

Level:

NHSK 789－1 HYJC6

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Chinese dictionary
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slinvoluntarily; can't help; in spite of oneself
- wǒ bù yóu zì zhǔ de xiào le
  我不由自主地笑了。
  I couldn't help laughing.
- tā de mù guāng bù yóu zì zhǔ de yí kai le
  她的目光不由自主地移开了。
  Her eyes strayed involuntarily.
- yī tīng yīn yuè tā jiù bù yóu zì zhǔ de jiǎo xia dǎ qǐ pāi zi
  一听音乐，她就不由自主地脚下打起拍子。
  Her feet involuntarily began to tap at the sound of the music.
synonym
shēn bù yóu jǐ身不由己 bù néng zì yǐ不能自已

Word usage

Note
It can be used for the whole person, and also for parts of the human body, such as feet, hands and eyes.

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