不得已 meaning and pronunciation

不得已
Simplified/traditional word

不得已 English definition

bù dé yǐ
  • act against one's will
  • have no alternative but to
  • have to
  • to have no choice
  • must

HSK level

Characters

  • 不 (bù): (negative prefix); not; no;
  • 得 (dé): to obtain; to get; to gain; to catch (a disease); proper; suitable; proud; contented; to allow; to permit; ready; finished;
  • 已 (yǐ): already; to stop; then; afterwards;