欲罢不能 (yù bà) — unable to stop despite wanting to; can't help but continue (of an irresistible activity or situation)
Definition
Idiom meaning 'want to stop but can't' — something is so engaging (a novel, game, show) that you can't pull yourself away, even when you should.
idiom
unable to stop despite wanting tocan't help but continue (of an irresistible activity or situation)
Examples
- ,欲罢不能。Zhè běn xiǎo shuō qíng jié tài jīng cǎi le, ràng rén yù bà.This novel's plot is so gripping that you can't put it down.
- 欲罢不能,。Tā wán yóu xì wán dé yù bà, lián fàn dōu wàng le chī.He was so hooked on the game that he even forgot to eat.
- ,欲罢不能。Zhè bù diàn yǐng de xuán niàn shè jì dé jí hǎo, guān zhòng kàn dé yù bà.The suspense in this movie is brilliantly crafted — the audience couldn't stop watching.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.