verb HSK 4
to exempt · to avoid · to excuse from · to免
Meaning
免 means to be exempt from something, to avoid, or to be excused from an obligation or requirement. It commonly appears in formal contexts relating to exemptions, waivers, or being spared from something undesirable.
Usage
Often used in formal or written Chinese. Frequently appears in compound words like 免费 (free of charge) and 避免 (to avoid). When used alone, it typically means exemption from duties, fees, or punishments.
Examples
- 01这个景点对儿童免票。.This attraction offers free admission for children.
- 02为了避免误会，我们需要提前沟通。, .To avoid misunderstandings, we need to communicate in advance.
Common collocations
- 免税tax-free, duty-free
- 免职to dismiss from office
- 免票free admission
- 未免rather too, a bit too (criticism)
Antonyms
Origin
The character 免 originally depicted a woman giving birth, representing the idea of being released or freed from something. Over time, it came to mean exemption or avoidance.