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爱理不理 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
爱理不理àilǐbùlǐto look cold and indifferentHSK 7, unknown, 36 strokes, rank #92362, Very Hard
爱理不理àilǐbùlǐstandoffishHSK 7, unknown, 36 strokes, rank #92362, Very Hard
àilǐbùlǐ(ai4li3bu4li3)ai li bu li T4
  1. 1to look cold and indifferent
  2. 2standoffish
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March 24, 2026

爱理不理(愛理不理)àilǐbùlǐ(ai4li3bu4li3)

The idiom '爱理不理' (ai4 li3 bu4 li3) describes a behavior where someone appears cold or indifferent, often ignoring someone else's attempts to engage with them. It is commonly used in social contexts to convey a lack of interest or emotional distance in interactions.

Strokes36Frequency#92362DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, showing indifference or aloofness can be a way to express disapproval or to maintain social hierarchy, particularly in situations involving face and reputation. This idiom reflects the subtleties of interpersonal relationships in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person who is so disinterested that they literally love to ignore others (爱理), while '不理' sounds like 'boo-lee,' which could be a sound of dismissal. Visualize a chilly, frosty scene where someone is turning away, wrapped in a blanket of indifference.

Meanings of 爱理不理

àilǐbùlǐ(ai4li3bu4li3)
1to look cold and indifferent
2standoffish
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About 爱理不理

爱理不理Simplified
愛理不理Traditional
36Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

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AI Study Notes for 爱理不理

Usage Notes

Be cautious when using this idiom; it can come across as rude or dismissive in certain contexts. It is more informal and used among friends or peers rather than in formal settings. Common collocations include '对某人爱理不理' (be indifferent to someone).

HSK Study Tips

This idiom is not part of the standard HSK vocabulary; however, understanding its components can help learners at HSK Level 4 and above recognize patterns in idiomatic expressions. Focus on the characters '爱' (love) and '理' (reason) to build familiarity with similar phrases.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse this idiom with other phrases that describe indifference, mistakenly saying '不爱理' instead of '爱理不理.' The correct usage emphasizes the indifference as a characteristic behavior rather than a refusal of love.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 爱理不理

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Idiom Spotlight: 爱理不理

Chengyu Origin Story
Literal meaning:love reason not reason

Component Characters

爱àito love
HSK 110 strokes爫
View full entry
理lǐtexture
HSK 611 strokes王
View full entry
不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
View full entry
理lǐtexture
HSK 611 strokes王
View full entry

How to say to look cold and indifferent in Chinese

“to look cold and indifferent” in Chinese is爱理不理àilǐbùlǐ

The idiom '爱理不理' (ai4 li3 bu4 li3) describes a behavior where someone appears cold or indifferent, often ignoring someone else's attempts to engage with them. It is commonly used in social contexts to convey a lack of interest or emotional distance in interactions.

When to use 爱理不理

Be cautious when using this idiom; it can come across as rude or dismissive in certain contexts. It is more informal and used among friends or peers rather than in formal settings. Common collocations include '对某人爱理不理' (be indifferent to someone).

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse this idiom with other phrases that describe indifference, mistakenly saying '不爱理' instead of '爱理不理.' The correct usage emphasizes the indifference as a characteristic behavior rather than a refusal of love.

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爱
理
不
理

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Cultural Notes for 爱理不理

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

While indifference can be seen as a negative trait in Western cultures, in Chinese culture, it can sometimes be a strategic approach to avoid conflict or to assert social boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions about 爱理不理

No, '爱理不理' is informal and best suited for casual conversations.

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