Definition
禁不起 is a resultative verb compound meaning 'cannot bear, cannot stand, cannot afford (to lose or suffer).' It is formed from 禁 (jīn, endure) + 不起 (bù qǐ, not up to) and is used with a direct object — the thing one cannot withstand. Common patterns include 禁不起考验 (cannot stand the test), 禁不起诱惑 (cannot resist temptation), and 禁不起损失 (cannot afford the loss). Unlike 受不了, which focuses on subjective tolerance, 禁不起 emphasizes objective inability to withstand pressure or consequences.
r.v.
cannot bearcannot endurecannot afford (to withstand negative consequences)
Examples
- 禁不起。Tā jīn zhè zhǒng tòngkǔ de kǎoyàn.He cannot bear this painful test.
- 禁不起。Tā de shēntǐ jīn chángtú lǚxíng.Her body cannot withstand long-distance travel.
- 禁不起。Gōngsī jīn zhème dà de sǔnshī.The company cannot afford such a big loss.
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