Can't help Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈkænt/ /ˈhɛɫp

KANT-help

UK

kɑːnt/ /hˈɛlp

KAHNT-help

Definition

Used to say you are unable to stop yourself from doing something, often because it is automatic or very strong. It is often followed by a verb ending in -ing.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, common in speech. Common patterns: 'can't help (verb)-ing' (e.g., 'can't help laughing'). Not about offering help. Can also be used with 'but': 'can't help but (verb)'. Often expresses involuntary reactions or habits.

• 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 - 无法控制
• Chinese (Traditional): 忍不住 - 無法控制
• Hindi: रोक नहीं सकते - अपने आप को रोक नहीं पाना
• Arabic: لا أستطيع أن أمتنع عن - لا أستطيع إلا أن
• Bengali: নিজেকে আটকাতে পারা না - না পারা
• Russian: не могу не - не могу удержаться от
• Japanese: どうしても～してしまう - ～せずにはいられない
• Vietnamese: không thể không - không thể ngừng
• Korean: 어쩔 수 없이 - 참을 수 없다
• Turkish: kendini tutamamak - engel olamamak
• Urdu: خود کو روک نہ پانا - مجبور ہونا
• Indonesian: tidak bisa menahan diri - tidak tahan

Example Sentences

I can't help laughing at that joke.

basic

She can't help crying when she watches that movie.

basic

We can't help feeling nervous before the test.

basic

I can't help but think he's hiding something.

natural

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

natural

Sometimes you just can't help how you feel.

natural