不无 + 名词
not without …; there is some …
Structure
主语 不无 名词(道理/关系/遗憾/担忧…)
What it means
A double negative that gives a cautious, understated positive: 'not without …; there is some …'. 不无道理 means 'has a point', weaker than 很有道理.
How it is built
Subject + (与… +) 不无 + two-syllable abstract noun (道理, 关系, 遗憾, 担忧, 好处, 可能): 这次失败与准备不足不无关系 (This failure had something to do with poor preparation).
When to use it
Formal and written. Arguers use it to grant the other side something before disagreeing: 他的批评不无道理,但…. In speech say 有一定道理 or 有点关系.
Watch out
Do not add 有: ✗ 不无有道理 ✓ 不无道理. Do not confuse it with 无不 'all without exception' (10-21): 在场的人无不感动.
Examples
他承认胡适的批评不无道理。
He granted that Hu Shi’s criticism was not without merit.
这次失败与准备不足不无关系。
This failure had something to do with poor preparation.
说起当年没去留学,她的语气里不无遗憾。
When she spoke of not having gone abroad to study, there was some regret in her voice.
Learn this in Lesson 257 · HSK 9+: 问题与主义 (Problems and isms)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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