Cannot help doing Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To be unable to stop yourself from doing something, usually because it is a natural reaction or feeling.

Usage & Nuances

Usually followed by a verb ending in -ing ('cannot help laughing'). Slightly formal or literary; in speech, people often say 'can't help but' plus verb. Expresses strong automatic reaction, not physical ability.

• Spanish: no poder evitar - no poder dejar de
• Portuguese (BR): não conseguir evitar - não conseguir deixar de
• Portuguese (PT): não conseguir evitar - não conseguir deixar de
• Chinese (Simplified): 忍不住
• Chinese (Traditional): 忍不住
• Hindi: नहीं रोक पाना
• Arabic: لا يمكن إلا أن - لا يستطيع إلا أن
• Bengali: নিজেকে আটকাতে না পারা - না পারা (কিছু করা থেকে)
• Russian: не мочь не - не могу не (сделать что-то)
• Japanese: ～せずにはいられない
• Vietnamese: không thể không - không thể kiềm chế được
• Korean: 참지 못하다 - 어쩔 수 없다
• Turkish: kendini tutamamak - engel olamamak
• Urdu: خود کو روک نہ پانا
• Indonesian: tidak bisa menahan diri - tidak dapat tidak

Example Sentences

I cannot help laughing when I watch this movie.

basic

She cannot help crying during sad stories.

basic

We cannot help worrying about the test.

basic

He can't help checking his phone every five minutes.

natural

Sometimes, you can't help feeling nervous before a big interview.

natural

I can't help but notice you're in a really good mood today!

natural