没办法 (méi bànfǎ) means “no way” or “can’t be helped” in Chinese. To understand its original structure, let’s break down each character:

• 没 (méi): This character originated from the combination of two components: 水 (shuǐ – water) and 冘 (mò – to disappear). The original meaning was related to water disappearing or running out. This sense of something being absent or lacking evolved into the modern meaning of “not have” or “not.”

• 办 (bàn): This character is composed of two parts:
  • 𠂊 (lì): originally depicted a hand holding a knife, symbolizing power and execution.
  • 辛 (xīn): originally depicted a tool used for punishment, representing hardship or suffering.
  Combined, they conveyed the idea of using force or effort to accomplish something. This evolved into the modern meaning of “to do,” “to manage,” or “to handle.”

• 法 (fǎ): This character is also a combination of two elements:
  • 氵 (shuǐ): represents water.
  • 去 (qù): means “to go.”
  The original meaning was related to the flow of water, which follows a natural course or law. This evolved into the broader meanings of “method,” “law,” or “rule.”

Therefore, looking at the original structure, 没办法 literally translates to “not have the way to manage/handle (according to the rules/law).” This reflects the meaning of being unable to find a solution or method to deal with a situation, hence “no way” or “can’t be helped.”