HSK 5 · VERSION 2.0#53
Expressing “Hard to Avoid” with “nánmiǎn”
难免
How it works
难免 (nánmiǎn) means “hard to avoid,” “inevitably,” or “more or less bound to.” It is used when the speaker thinks some negative or imperfect result is understandable because it is difficult to prevent.
The pattern
Subject + 难免 (nánmiǎn) + Verb / Adjective
Example sentences
第一次上台演讲，难免会有点儿紧张。
When giving a speech on stage for the first time, it is hard not to feel a little nervous.
事情发展得这么快，大家意见不一致也难免。
Things are developing so fast, so it is understandable that everyone’s opinions are not the same.
年轻人缺乏经验，做事考虑不够全面，难免会出一些错误。
Young people lack experience, so it is hard to avoid making some mistakes.
Key point
难免 (nánmiǎn) often softens criticism by suggesting that the result is understandable.