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必不可少 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
必不可少bìbùkěshǎoabsolutely necessaryHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #19347, Very Hard
必不可少bìbùkěshǎoindispensableHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #19347, Very Hard
必不可少bìbùkěshǎoessentialHSK 7, unknown, 18 strokes, rank #19347, Very Hard
bìbùkěshǎo(bi4bu4ke3shao3)bi bu ke shao T4
  1. 1absolutely necessary
  2. 2indispensable
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March 24, 2026

必不可少bìbùkěshǎo(bi4bu4ke3shao3)

The idiom '必不可少' means something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable. It emphasizes the importance of an element that cannot be omitted in a particular context, often used in discussions about requirements or essentials in various situations.

Strokes18Frequency#19347DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of necessity often ties into traditional values where certain elements, like family and education, are deemed essential for success and harmony in life.

Memory tip

Imagine a chef preparing a dish where certain ingredients are '必不可少' (bì bù kě shǎo). Visualize a chef holding a salt shaker, saying, 'Without salt, this dish is incomplete!' The radicals convey necessity and permanence, much like how salt is essential in cooking.

Meanings of 必不可少

bìbùkěshǎo(bi4bu4ke3shao3)
1absolutely necessary
2indispensable
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About 必不可少

必不可少Simplified
18Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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AI study notes for 必不可少

Quick Contrast

不可或缺 (bùkěhuòquē) — use '必不可少' when emphasizing absolute necessity, while '不可或缺' highlights something that is irreplaceable.

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional discussions. A common mistake is to use it in a casual setting where simpler expressions would suffice. Be mindful of the tone when using it, as it carries a sense of urgency or importance.

HSK Study Tips

While '必不可少' isn't an HSK standard vocabulary, it connects well with HSK 4-5 vocabulary about necessity and importance. Students should focus on understanding its usage in contexts where something is critical for success or functionality.

Common Mistakes

Learners often incorrectly use '必不可少' in informal contexts, such as chatting with friends. For example, saying '这个电影必不可少' (This movie is indispensable) is awkward; instead, use '这个电影很有意思' (This movie is very interesting).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 必不可少

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Idiom spotlight: 必不可少

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:must not can lack

Component characters

必bìcertainly
HSK 55 strokes心
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不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
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可kěcan
HSK 35 strokes口
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少shǎofew
HSK 14 strokes小
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How to say absolutely necessary in Chinese

“absolutely necessary” in Chinese is必不可少bìbùkěshǎo

The idiom '必不可少' means something that is absolutely necessary or indispensable. It emphasizes the importance of an element that cannot be omitted in a particular context, often used in discussions about requirements or essentials in various situations.

When to use 必不可少

This idiom is typically used in formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional discussions. A common mistake is to use it in a casual setting where simpler expressions would suffice. Be mindful of the tone when using it, as it carries a sense of urgency or importance.

必不可少 or something close to it

不可或缺 (bùkěhuòquē) — use '必不可少' when emphasizing absolute necessity, while '不可或缺' highlights something that is irreplaceable.

What learners get wrong

Learners often incorrectly use '必不可少' in informal contexts, such as chatting with friends. For example, saying '这个电影必不可少' (This movie is indispensable) is awkward; instead, use '这个电影很有意思' (This movie is very interesting).

Write 必不可少

必
不
可
少

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Frequently asked questions about 必不可少

It's better suited for formal contexts, so consider using simpler phrases in everyday conversations.

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