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HSK 7-9
bù不notkě可canhuò或perhapsquē缺lack
Absolutely necessary; indispensable; vital.

Literal meaning

not (不) — can (可) — perhaps (或) — lack (缺)

Origin

A classical four-character phrase emphasizing the importance of something.

Examples

Shuǐ水shì是shēng生mìng命zhōng中bù不kě可huò或quē缺de的。
Water is indispensable to life.
Liáng良hǎo好de的gōu沟tōng通shì是tuán团duì队hé合zuò作zhōng中bù不kě可huò或quē缺de的。
Good communication is essential for teamwork.

Usage & nuances

Emphasizes the critical importance of something; often used in formal contexts.

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