爱不释手
爱不释手 (ài bù shì shǒu) literally means “love not release hand” and expresses “cherish something too much to put it down”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: ai bu shi shou, ai bu shi shou,爱不释手 meaning, 爱不释手 in english
Cherish something too much to put it down
Pronunciation: ài bù shì shǒu Literal meaning: Love not release hand
Origin & Usage
Song Dynasty connoisseurs first used this phrase to describe loving something so much (爱) one cannot (不) release (释) it from hand (手). Their writings captured that special attachment collectors feel toward precious artifacts. Ming Dynasty poets expanded it to embrace emotional attachments beyond physical objects. The tactile metaphor perfectly captures how physical reluctance to release reflects deeper psychological attachment. Modern usage spans from art appreciation to emotional bonds, describing attractions so intense they manifest in physical inability to let go.
When to Use
Situation: She couldn't put down the antique jade pendant, examining it from every angle
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 爱不释手 mean in English?
爱不释手 (ài bù shì shǒu) literally translates to “Love not release hand” and is used to express “Cherish something too much to put it down”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 爱不释手 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving cherish something too much to put it down.
What is the pinyin for 爱不释手?
The pinyin pronunciation for 爱不释手 is “ài bù shì shǒu”.