爱不释手(愛不釋手)
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.
Also searched as: ai bu shi shou, ai bu shi shou,爱不释手 meaning, 爱不释手 in english
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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Related Chinese Idioms
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qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
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mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
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Golden age of peace and prosperity
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Peace everywhere; universal harmony
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gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
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luò yè guī gēn
Return to one's roots; go back home
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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 theLife Philosophy category..
When is 爱不释手 used?
Situation: She couldn't put down the antique jade pendant, examining it from every angle
What is the pinyin for 爱不释手?
The pinyin pronunciation for 爱不释手 is “ài bù shì shǒu”.