The Chinese phrase "不能不" (bù néng bù) literally translates to "cannot but" or "must." It's a double negative that creates a strong affirmative, indicating that something is necessary, unavoidable, or highly recommended.
Here's a breakdown of how to use it, along with examples:
1. Expressing Necessity or Obligation (Must/Have to)
This is the most common usage. It emphasizes that there's no other choice or that a certain action is required.
Structure: Subject + 不能不 + Verb Phrase
Examples:
我不能不承认他确实很努力。(Wǒ bù néng bù chéngrèn tā quèshí hěn nǔlì.)
I cannot but admit that he is indeed very diligent. (I have to admit that he is indeed very diligent.)
为了身体健康，你不能不早睡早起。(Wèi le shēntǐ jiànkāng, nǐ bù néng bù zǎo shuì zǎo qǐ.)
For the sake of your health, you cannot but go to bed early and get up early. (For the sake of your health, you must go to bed early and get up early.)
遇到困难，我们不能不互相帮助。(Yù dào kùnnan, wǒmen bù néng bù hùxiāng bāngzhù.)
When encountering difficulties, we cannot but help each other. (When encountering difficulties, we must help each other.)
2. Expressing Unavoidability or Inevitability
It can also convey that something is bound to happen or is an unavoidable consequence.
Structure: Subject + 不能不 + Verb Phrase
Examples:
面对事实，他不能不改变主意。(Miànduì shìshí, tā bù néng bù gǎibiàn zhǔyì.)
Facing the facts, he cannot but change his mind. (Facing the facts, he had no choice but to change his mind.)
出了这样的事情，公司不能不给大家一个解释。(Chū le zhèyàng de shìqing, gōngsī bù néng bù gěi dàjiā yīgè jiěshì.)
After something like this happened, the company cannot but give everyone an explanation. (After something like this happened, the company had to give everyone an explanation.)
3. Expressing a Strong Recommendation or Advice
Sometimes, it's used to give strong advice, suggesting that the listener really should do something.
Structure: Subject (often implied "you") + 不能不 + Verb Phrase
Examples:
这么好的机会，你不能不抓住。(Zhème hǎo de jīhuì, nǐ bù néng bù zhuāzhù.)
Such a good opportunity, you cannot but seize it. (You really should seize such a good opportunity.)
这部电影太精彩了，你不能不看。(Zhè bù diànyǐng tài jīngcǎi le, nǐ bù néng bù kàn.)
This movie is too wonderful, you cannot but watch it. (You absolutely must watch this movie.)
Key Points to Remember:
Double Negative, Positive Meaning: Always remember that "不能不" means "must" or "have to."
Emphasis: It adds a strong emphasis to the action or state being described.
Context is Key: While the meaning is generally consistent, the nuance can vary slightly depending on the context.
By understanding these nuances and practicing with examples, you'll be able to effectively incorporate "不能不" into your Chinese sentences.
