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March 24, 2026
受不了shòubuliǎo(shou4bu5liao3)
受不了 (shòu bù liǎo) means 'unable to endure' or 'can't stand.' It is often used to express that a person cannot tolerate a situation, feeling, or action any longer. This phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese to convey a strong sense of discomfort or frustration.
Frequency#2155DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing discomfort or frustration can be seen as a sign of honesty and emotional openness. The phrase 受不了 is commonly used in conversations about stressful situations, such as work pressure or crowded public transport.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a heavy weight above their head, saying 'I can't take it anymore!' The character 受 (shòu) means 'to receive,' and it looks like a person receiving a burden. The word 不 (bù) means 'not,' and liao (了) indicates completion, so together they express the idea of receiving something unbearable until you can't take it anymore.
Meanings of 受不了
shòubuliǎo(shou4bu5liao3)
1unbearable
2unable to endure
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About 受不了
受不了Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
习用语phrase (phr.)Part of Speech
#2155Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 受不了
Podcast: 受不了
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AI Study Notes for 受不了
Quick Contrast
忍受 (rěnshòu) vs 受不了 (shòubuliǎo): use 受不了 to emphasize an inability to endure something, while 忍受 suggests a capability to tolerate it despite discomfort.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a heavy weight above their head, saying 'I can't take it anymore!' The character 受 (shòu) means 'to receive,' and it looks like a person receiving a burden. The word 不 (bù) means 'not,' and liao (了) indicates completion, so together they express the idea of receiving something unbearable until you can't take it anymore.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 受不了 with similar expressions like 忍不住 (rěn bù zhù), which means 'can't help but.' Be aware that 受不了 has a stronger connotation of suffering or extreme discomfort. It's used in informal contexts but can also appear in more serious discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 受不了 connects with vocabulary related to emotions and reactions. Students should focus on how to use it in sentences that reflect personal feelings or experiences, enhancing their ability to express discomfort or frustration.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, expressing discomfort or frustration can be seen as a sign of honesty and emotional openness. The phrase 受不了 is commonly used in conversations about stressful situations, such as work pressure or crowded public transport.
Common Mistakes
Learners might incorrectly say 受不住 instead of 受不了. The correct form is 受不了, emphasizing the inability to endure something rather than simply not being able to hold it.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 受不了
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Grammar Patterns of 受不了
受不了 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
I sang in the bath and drove my parents up the wall.
10
我受不了久等.
wǒ shòu bù le jiǔ děng.
I can't stick waiting around.
Cultural Notes for 受不了
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, expressing discomfort or frustration can be seen as a sign of honesty and emotional openness. The phrase 受不了 is commonly used in conversations about stressful situations, such as work pressure or crowded public transport.
Frequently Asked Questions about 受不了
It is generally more informal, so it's best reserved for casual conversations.
You can use the phrase 忍不住 (rěn bù zhù) for similar meanings, but it focuses more on not being able to resist.
You could say, '这个地方太热了，我受不了。' (This place is too hot, I can't stand it.)
