不由自主
不由自主 (bù yóu zì zhǔ) literally means “not by one's own control” and expresses “involuntarily; can't help but”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
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Involuntarily; can't help but
Pronunciation: bù yóu zì zhǔ Literal meaning: Not by one's own control
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes actions not (不) controlled (由自主) by one's own will. It captures involuntary responses where emotions or instincts override conscious control. The phrase appeared in texts describing overwhelming emotional states. It acknowledges that some responses transcend deliberate choice. Modern usage describes involuntary reactions - laughing, crying, or other behaviors that occur spontaneously without conscious decision.
Examples
English: "He couldn't help but smile when he saw her."
Chinese: 看到她，他不由自主地笑了。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 不由自主 mean in English?
不由自主 (bù yóu zì zhǔ) literally translates to “Not by one's own control” and is used to express “Involuntarily; can't help but”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 不由自主 used?
Situation: He couldn't help but smile when he saw her.
What is the pinyin for 不由自主?
The pinyin pronunciation for 不由自主 is “bù yóu zì zhǔ”.