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在所难免 (zài suǒ nán miǎn) — to be unavoidable, to be inevitable (idiom)

Definition

Four-character idiom meaning 'unavoidable / inevitable' — used for drawbacks, problems, or pains that come with a larger process. 少不了 is more colloquial and focuses on 'bound to have / can't do without'.

phrase
to be unavoidableto be inevitable (idiom)

Examples

  • 在所难免。
    Xīn zhèng cè tuī xíng chū qī yù dào yì xiē kùn nan shì zài suǒ nán miǎn de.
    It is inevitable to encounter some difficulties in the early stages of implementing a new policy.
  • ，在所难免。
    Rèn hé gǎi gé dōu huì dài lái zhèn tòng, zhè shì zài suǒ nán miǎn de.
    Any reform comes with growing pains; that is unavoidable.
  • ，在所难免。
    Nián líng dà le, shēn tǐ jī néng xià jiàng shì zài suǒ nán miǎn de.
    As one ages, the decline in bodily functions is unavoidable.

Origin

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

The early form of 在 used 才 for its sound; a second sound part 士 was added later, and that 士 became the 土 seen in 在.

Open 在 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
斤斤jīnaxe
Sound part声符shēngfú
戶
戶hù所suǒ
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

所 pairs 斤, an axe, with 戶, which gives the sound hù; the old meaning was the sound of logging.

Open 所 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 難; 难 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
隹隹zhuībird
Sound part声符shēngfú
暵
暵hàn難nán
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional 難 pairs 隹, a bird, with 暵 for sound, and meant a type of bird. It was later borrowed for other meanings; the modern 难 is a shorthand.

Open 难 →

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

免 originally drew a man wearing a ceremonial hat. It was later used for meanings such as avoid and exempt.

Open 免 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9Idioms & Set Phrases

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