HSK 3.0 · LEVEL 5
不能不
Cannot but; must; have to. (A double negative that emphasizes an obligation or inevitability).
Free Chinese vocabulary flashcard · HSK 5
Why does 不能不 look like this?
'不' (not) + '能' (can/able) + '不' (not). This is a double negative structure. '不' is a classic radical, and '能' originally depicted a bear, symbolizing strength and ability. Together, they form a powerful double negative!