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留恋 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
留恋liúliànreluctant to leaveHSK 7, v, 20 strokes, rank #13496, Very Hard
留恋liúliànto hate to have to goHSK 7, v, 20 strokes, rank #13496, Very Hard
留恋liúliànto recall fondlyHSK 7, v, 20 strokes, rank #13496, Very Hard
liúliàn(liu2lian4)liu lian T2
  1. 1reluctant to leave
  2. 2to hate to have to go
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March 24, 2026

留恋(留戀)liúliàn(liu2lian4)

留恋 means to feel reluctant to leave or to have fond memories of something. It is often used in contexts where someone has a strong emotional attachment to a place, person, or experience, indicating a desire to stay despite the need to depart. This word conveys a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection.

Strokes20Frequency#13496DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of 留恋 is often associated with significant life events, such as graduation or moving away from home, where emotional ties to places and people are deeply valued. This reflects the strong emphasis on relationships and community in Chinese society.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person at a beautiful beach, holding onto the sand as if it were slipping through their fingers. '留' (liú) sounds like 'you', and '恋' (liàn) relates to love; together they evoke the image of someone who loves a place so much that they can't bear to leave it.

Meanings of 留恋

liúliàn(liu2lian4)
1reluctant to leave
2to hate to have to go
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 留恋

留恋Simplified
留戀Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#13496Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 留恋

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Podcast: 留恋

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AI Study Notes for 留恋

Quick Contrast

依依不舍 (yīyī bù shě) — use 留恋 for a more personal emotional attachment, while 依依不舍 emphasizes the reluctance to parting itself.

Usage Notes

留恋 is typically used in more emotional contexts and can be considered somewhat formal. Be careful not to confuse it with simpler words like '走' (zǒu, to go), as 留恋 expresses a deeper emotional connection. Common collocations include '对...留恋' (to be reluctant to part with...).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 留恋 connects with other emotional expression vocabulary. Students should focus on its usage in literature or conversations that discuss feelings of nostalgia or attachment, enhancing their ability to express complex emotions.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 留恋 with simpler verbs like 爱 (ài, to love) when they want to express fondness. For instance, saying '我爱这地方' (Wǒ ài zhè dìfāng, I love this place) misses the nuance; instead, one should say '我对这个地方留恋' (Wǒ duì zhège dìfāng liúliàn).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 留恋

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Component Characters

留liúto stay, to remain; to preserve, to keep; to leave a message; 
HSK 410 strokes田
View full entry
恋liànto feel attached to
HSK 610 strokes心
View full entry

How to say reluctant to leave in Chinese

“reluctant to leave” in Chinese is留恋liúliàn

留恋 means to feel reluctant to leave or to have fond memories of something. It is often used in contexts where someone has a strong emotional attachment to a place, person, or experience, indicating a desire to stay despite the need to depart. This word conveys a sense of nostalgia and emotional connection.

When to use 留恋

留恋 is typically used in more emotional contexts and can be considered somewhat formal. Be careful not to confuse it with simpler words like '走' (zǒu, to go), as 留恋 expresses a deeper emotional connection. Common collocations include '对...留恋' (to be reluctant to part with...).

留恋 or something close to it

依依不舍 (yīyī bù shě) — use 留恋 for a more personal emotional attachment, while 依依不舍 emphasizes the reluctance to parting itself.

What learners get wrong

Learners sometimes confuse 留恋 with simpler verbs like 爱 (ài, to love) when they want to express fondness. For instance, saying '我爱这地方' (Wǒ ài zhè dìfāng, I love this place) misses the nuance; instead, one should say '我对这个地方留恋' (Wǒ duì zhège dìfāng liúliàn).

Write 留恋

留
恋

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Grammar Patterns of 留恋

留恋 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 2

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很多人都很____过去的好时光。

Many people were nostalgic for the good old days.

Example Sentences for 留恋 (2)

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1
很多人都很留恋过去的好时光。

hěn duō rén dū hěn liú liàn guò qù de hǎo shí guāng。

Many people were nostalgic for the good old days.
2
他带着留恋的心情, 一边喝酒一边叙述他的拉丁美洲之行.

tā dài zháo liú liàn de xīn qíng, , yī biān hē jiǔ yī biān xù shù tā de lā dīng měi zhōu zhī.

Over drinks , he speaks longingly of his trip to Latin America.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 留恋

Yes, it can be used casually, but it often conveys a stronger emotional weight, so be mindful of the context.

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