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不住

bùzhù
particle #24,084

Meanings

  1. 1 unable to (firmly grasp, hold back, recall, etc.)
  2. 2 continuously
  3. 3 repeatedly
  4. 4 incessantly

Examples

HSK 4
她激动得说不住话。
Tā jīdòng de shuō bùzhù huà.
She was so excited she couldn't stop talking.
HSK 4
风太大，他抓不住帽子。
Fēng tài dà, tā zhuā bùzhù màozi.
The wind was too strong and he couldn't keep hold of his hat.
HSK 5
他忍不住笑了起来。
Tā rěnbuzhù xiào le qǐlái.
He couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Tips

grammar
不住 functions as a verb complement expressing inability to sustain or contain an action. It follows verbs: 抓不住 (can't grasp), 忍不住 (can't hold back), 站不住 (can't stay standing). Distinct from the adverbial use meaning 'incessantly' (e.g. 不住地点头 = nodding continuously).

Stroke Order

不 bù
住 zhù