bất đắc dĩ
[ʔɓət̚˧˦ ʔɗak̚˧˦ zi˦ˀ˥]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adverb) if or when in a desperate situation and having no other choices
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Bất đắc dĩ thì tao mới phải làm vậy.Desperate times call for desperate measures, dude.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adjective) desperate and leaving no other choices
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) forced to do something due to having no other choices
Examples
người hùng bất đắc dĩa reluctant hero
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “bất đắc dĩ” mean?
(adverb) if or when in a desperate situation and having no other choices
Is “bất đắc dĩ” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.