缺一不可 (quē yī bú) — none can be left out, every one is indispensable
Definition
Fixed idiom meaning every single one is essential — 'not a single one can be missing.' Used as a predicate after listing two or more required things (e.g., 二者、三者缺一不可).
idiom
none can be left outevery one is indispensable
Examples
- 、,缺一不可。Chéng gōng xū yào nǔ lì, yùn qì hé jiān chí, sān zhě quē yī bú.Success requires effort, luck, and persistence — none can be missing.
- 缺一不可。Zhè ge xiàng mù de měi gè huán jié dōu quē yī bú.Every step of this project is indispensable.
- ,缺一不可。Tuán duì hé zuò zhōng, měi gè rén de jué sè quē yī bú.In teamwork, everyone's role is indispensable.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.