Definition
不住 is a resultative complement attached to verbs, meaning 'cannot stop V-ing' or 'cannot V to a stop'. It follows the pattern Verb + 不住, as in 忍不住 ('cannot help'), 停不住 ('cannot stop'), and 挡不住 ('cannot block'). It expresses that the action is uncontrollable or cannot be completed.
cmp.
(complement) cannot stop V-ingV endlessly
Examples
- 。Tā rěn bù zhù xiào le qǐlái.He couldn't help laughing.
- 不住，。Chē tíng bù zhù le, qiánmiàn yǒu hóngdēng.The car couldn't stop; there was a red light ahead.
- 不住，。Tā kū gè bù zhù, shéi quàn dōu méi yòng.She cried endlessly; no one's advice helped.
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