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没完没了 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
没完没了méiwánméiliǎowithout endHSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #8310, Very Hard
没完没了méiwánméiliǎoincessantlyHSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #8310, Very Hard
没完没了méiwánméiliǎoon and onHSK 7, unknown, 23 strokes, rank #8310, Very Hard
méiwánméiliǎo(mei2wan2mei2liao3)mei wan mei liao T2
  1. 1without end
  2. 2incessantly
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March 24, 2026

没完没了(沒完沒了)méiwánméiliǎo(mei2wan2mei2liao3)

没完没了 is an idiomatic expression meaning 'endless' or 'incessant.' It is often used to describe situations or discussions that seem to go on without conclusion or resolution, conveying a sense of frustration or weariness due to the lack of a definitive end.

Strokes23Frequency#8310DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, where harmony and resolution are often prioritized, the concept of something being 没完没了 can reflect a societal dislike for unresolved issues, making it a poignant expression in conversations about conflicts or disagreements.

Memory Tip

Imagine a never-ending loop of waves crashing on the shore, symbolizing that the situation is 'endless.' The characters 没 (mei) means 'not,' 完 (wan) means 'finished,' and 了 (liao) suggests 'completed,' together creating the image of something that never finishes.

Meanings of 没完没了

méiwánméiliǎo(mei2wan2mei2liao3)
1without end
2incessantly
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About 没完没了

没完没了Simplified
沒完沒了Traditional
23Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI Study Notes for 没完没了

Quick Contrast

无休止 (wúxiūzhǐ) - use 没完没了 for a more colloquial tone, while 无休止 is more formal.

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in informal contexts to express annoyance or fatigue with prolonged situations. Common mistakes include using it in overly formal discussions, and forgetting to match tone when speaking, which can lead to misunderstandings.

HSK Study Tips

While this idiom may not be a part of the official HSK vocabulary lists, it can be useful for learners at HSK 4 or above. Focus on recognizing its usage in conversations and literature, as it encapsulates a common sentiment in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 没完没了 by applying it to positive situations, such as a fun event, when it should only describe tedious or frustrating scenarios. Additionally, some might forget the proper tones, saying 'mei wan mei liao' instead of the correct 'méi wán méi liǎo.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 没完没了

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Idiom Spotlight: 没完没了

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:no finish no end

Component Characters

没méi(negative prefix for verbs)
HSK 17 strokes氵
View full entry
完wánto finish
HSK 27 strokes宀
View full entry
没méi(negative prefix for verbs)
HSK 17 strokes氵
View full entry
了le(modal particle intensifying preceding clause)
HSK 12 strokes亅
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How to say without end in Chinese

“without end” in Chinese is没完没了méiwánméiliǎo

没完没了 is an idiomatic expression meaning 'endless' or 'incessant.' It is often used to describe situations or discussions that seem to go on without conclusion or resolution, conveying a sense of frustration or weariness due to the lack of a definitive end.

When to use 没完没了

This idiom is typically used in informal contexts to express annoyance or fatigue with prolonged situations. Common mistakes include using it in overly formal discussions, and forgetting to match tone when speaking, which can lead to misunderstandings.

没完没了 or something close to it

无休止 (wúxiūzhǐ) - use 没完没了 for a more colloquial tone, while 无休止 is more formal.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 没完没了 by applying it to positive situations, such as a fun event, when it should only describe tedious or frustrating scenarios. Additionally, some might forget the proper tones, saying 'mei wan mei liao' instead of the correct 'méi wán méi liǎo.'

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没
完
没
了

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Frequently Asked Questions about 没完没了

Yes, you can use it to express that the meeting feels endless.

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