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.
Also searched as: bu you zi zhu, bu you zi zhu,不由自主 meaning, 不由自主 in english
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.
When to Use
Situation: He couldn't help but smile when he saw her.
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Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
千里迢迢
qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
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民富国强
mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
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国泰民安
guó tài mín ān
National peace and public security
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太平盛世
tài píng shèng shì
Golden age of peace and prosperity
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四海升平
sì hǎi shēng píng
Peace everywhere; universal harmony
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ān tǔ zhòng qiān
Prefer stability; reluctant to relocate
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故土难离
gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
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luò yè guī gēn
Return to one's roots; go back home
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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 theLife 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”.