English–Chinese

“be essential” in Chinese

Chinese

Pronunciation

Pinyinshǎo bù liǎo

Example

周末聚会，零食少不了。zhōu mò jù huì líng shí shǎo bù liǎo

Snacks are essential at weekend gatherings.

Illustration for 少不了 (be essential)

How to say “be essential” in Chinese

“Be essential” in Chinese is 少不了 (shǎo bù liǎo).

Something a setting naturally includes, so leaving it out would make the occasion incomplete.

Full entry for 少不了: usage tips, similar words and word origin

Example sentences with 少不了

学习汉语，练习少不了。xué xí hàn yǔ liàn xí shǎo bù liǎo

Practice is essential for learning Chinese.

Tips for using 少不了

  • The pattern can describe either an item or a person, so it is useful for talking about what a situation normally includes when making casual plans.

“be essential” in other languages