不免
bù miǎn
Inevitably, unavoidably
不免 (bù miǎn) vs 未免 (wèi miǎn) — “inevitably” vs “a bit too”
Subject + 不免 (bùmiǎn) + Predicate; Subject + 未免 (wèimiǎn) + (太 (tài)) + Predicate
HSK 7–93.0
Pattern diagram
Who / what不免Action
Who / what未免太What like
pale — also possible
Rule structure
Both adverbs come before the predicate and express the speaker's evaluation. 不免 (bùmiǎn) means "inevitably, not without": something happens naturally and unavoidably. 未免 (wèimiǎn) means "rather too, a bit much": a mild reproach for excess, often with 太 (tài) or 有点儿 (yǒu diǎn ér) (yǒudiǎnr).
Rule structure
Both adverbs come before the predicate and express the speaker's evaluation. 不免 (bùmiǎn) means "inevitably, not without": something happens naturally and unavoidably. 未免 (wèimiǎn) means "rather too, a bit much": a mild reproach for excess, often with 太 (tài) or 有点儿 (yǒu diǎn ér) (yǒudiǎnr).
Examples
第一次上台，他不免有点儿紧张。
Dì yī cì shàng tái, tā bùmiǎn yǒudiǎnr jǐnzhāng.
Going on stage for the first time, he couldn't help feeling a bit nervous.
Examples
第一次上台，他不免有点儿紧张。
Dì yī cì shàng tái, tā bùmiǎn yǒudiǎnr jǐnzhāng.
Going on stage for the first time, he couldn't help feeling a bit nervous.
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Words from this rule
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “‘inevitably’ vs ‘a bit too’” in Chinese with 不免 vs 未免?
Use the structure: Subject + 不免 (bùmiǎn) + Predicate; Subject + 未免 (wèimiǎn) + (太 (tài)) + Predicate. For example: 第一次上台，他不免有点儿紧张。 — “Going on stage for the first time, he couldn't help feeling a bit nervous”.
What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?
第一次上台，他不免有点儿紧张。 — “Going on stage for the first time, he couldn't help feeling a bit nervous”.
Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?
This grammar rule is part of HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9.
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More HSK 3.0 Levels 7–9 grammar rules
向来 — always previously
Subj. + 向来 (xiànglái) + Verb / Adj.
偏 — contrary to expectations
Subj. + 偏偏 (piānpiān) + Verb (undesirable coincidence)
无非 — nothing but
无非 (wúfēi) + Noun / Clause (dismissive)
何必 — why bother
何必 (hébì) + Verb Phrase (rhetorical, unnecessary)
按理 — logically speaking
按理 (ànlǐ) / 按说 (ànshuō) + Clause (conclusion that clashes with the fact)
不妨 vs 务必 — advice vs requirement
不妨 (bùfáng) + Verb Phrase (soft suggestion) / 务必 (wùbì) + Verb Phrase (insistent requirement)
照常 — as usual
Subj. + 照常 (zhàocháng) / 照例 (zhàolì) / 照样 (zhàoyàng) + Verb
碰巧 / 恰巧 — coincidence
Subj. + 碰巧 (pèngqiǎo) / 恰巧 (qiàqiǎo) + Verb Phrase