难免(nánmiǎn)
Hard To Avoid / Inevitable
Structure Pattern
Explanation
难免 (nánmiǎn) means "hard to avoid" or "bound to happen." It acknowledges that something negative is understandable or expected given the circumstances. Similar to 不免 but slightly stronger — 难免 implies the outcome is almost impossible to prevent.
Difference from 不免:
- 不免: naturally/inevitably (softer, more empathetic)
- 难免: hard to avoid / bound to (stronger, more factual)
Example Sentences
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Gāng kāishǐ gōngzuò, nánmiǎn huì chūcuò.
Just starting work, making mistakes is inevitable.
Rén duō de dìfāng nánmiǎn yōngjǐ.
Crowded places are bound to be congested.
Cháng shíjiān bú jiànmiàn, nánmiǎn huì shēngshū.
Not meeting for a long time, it's inevitable to become distant.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
考试拿了一百分，难免很开心。
Correct Usage
考试拿了一百分，自然很开心。
难免 is used for negative or undesirable outcomes that are hard to avoid. Being happy about a perfect score is positive — use 自然 (naturally) or 当然 (of course) instead.
Related Grammar Points
Master 难免
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