经不起 (jīng bù qǐ) — cannot withstand, cannot endure

Definition

经不起 is a fixed expression meaning 'cannot withstand/endure', formed by the verb 经 (to endure) + 不 (not) + 起 (up). It is used before a noun or a verb indicating something difficult or challenging; it is more formal than 受不了. This pattern is a type of potential complement (可能补语) in the V+不+C structure, and its positive counterpart is 经得起.

r.v.

cannot withstandcannot endure

Examples

经不起。
Tā de shēntǐ jīng bù qǐ chángtú báshè.
His body can't withstand a long, arduous journey.
经不起。
Zhè zhǒng cáiliào jīng bù qǐ gāowēn.
This material can't withstand high temperatures.
经不起。
Tā de guāndiǎn jīng bù qǐ tuīqiāo.
His opinions cannot withstand scrutiny.

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