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恋恋不舍 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
恋恋不舍liànliànbùshěreluctant to partHSK 7, unknown, 32 strokes, rank #51857, Very Hard
liànliànbùshě(lian4lian4bu4she3)lian lian bu she T4
  1. 1reluctant to part
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March 24, 2026

恋恋不舍(戀戀不捨)liànliànbùshě(lian4lian4bu4she3)

The idiom 恋恋不舍 (liàn liàn bù shě) describes a strong emotional attachment or reluctance to part from someone or something. It is often used in contexts of farewells, emphasizing feelings of nostalgia and sadness when leaving behind cherished people, places, or experiences.

Strokes32Frequency#51857DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, strong emotional bonds are highly valued, and expressions of reluctance to part are common in contexts such as family gatherings or farewells. This idiom reflects the importance of relationships and the emotional weight of leaving loved ones.

Memory tip

Imagine a pair of lovers holding hands tightly, their fingers intertwined ('恋恋') as they bid farewell, feeling a deep sense of reluctance ('不舍') to let go. The repetition of '恋' (love) emphasizes the strength of their bond.

Meanings of 恋恋不舍

liànliànbùshě(lian4lian4bu4she3)
1reluctant to part
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 恋恋不舍

恋恋不舍Simplified
戀戀不捨Traditional
32Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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Podcast: 恋恋不舍

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AI study notes for 恋恋不舍

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but it's particularly suited for emotional contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with other terms for parting that lack the emotional depth, such as 告别 (gàobié) which simply means 'to say goodbye.'

HSK Study Tips

Although 恋恋不舍 is not an official HSK term, its components are useful for learners at HSK level 4 and above, as they involve common characters like 恋 (love) and 不 (not). Students should focus on understanding the emotions conveyed by idiomatic expressions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mistakenly use 恋恋不舍 in contexts where a more neutral term is appropriate, such as saying goodbye to acquaintances. Instead, use it for heartfelt farewells, like with family or close friends.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 恋恋不舍

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Idiom spotlight: 恋恋不舍

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:love love not leave

Component characters

恋liànto feel attached to
HSK 610 strokes心
View full entry
恋liànto feel attached to
HSK 610 strokes心
View full entry
不bù(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes一
View full entry
舍shěto give up
8 strokes舌
View full entry

How to say reluctant to part in Chinese

“reluctant to part” in Chinese is恋恋不舍liànliànbùshě

The idiom 恋恋不舍 (liàn liàn bù shě) describes a strong emotional attachment or reluctance to part from someone or something. It is often used in contexts of farewells, emphasizing feelings of nostalgia and sadness when leaving behind cherished people, places, or experiences.

When to use 恋恋不舍

This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but it's particularly suited for emotional contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with other terms for parting that lack the emotional depth, such as 告别 (gàobié) which simply means 'to say goodbye.'

What learners get wrong

Learners often mistakenly use 恋恋不舍 in contexts where a more neutral term is appropriate, such as saying goodbye to acquaintances. Instead, use it for heartfelt farewells, like with family or close friends.

Write 恋恋不舍

恋
恋
不
舍

Practice writing 恋恋不舍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Usage Notes for 恋恋不舍

Misusing 恋恋不舍Common Error

Some learners may use 恋恋不舍 incorrectly in contexts where it does not fit. It should only be used to express reluctance to part with someone or something.

1

我对离开这个地方感到恋恋不舍。

I feel reluctant to leave this place.

Exercise 1 of 1

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Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

我对离开这个地方感到____。

I feel reluctant to leave this place.

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Frequently asked questions about 恋恋不舍

It's best to reserve this idiom for personal relationships, as it conveys deep emotional sentiments rather than professional detachment.

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