cyun3 bou6 bat1 lei4寸步不離寸步不离
Jyutpingcyun3 bou6 bat1 lei4
Yalechyun bouh bāt lèih
Definition
To follow closely without leaving someone's side, or to have a very close relationship.
- to follow closely; to not leave someone's side for a single step
- figurativeto have an extremely close relationship and always be together
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the physical proximity or the emotional attachment between two people or a person and a pet. It carries a slightly dramatic or intense nuance, often used to describe someone who is being overly protective or a companion who is exceptionally loyal. While it can describe a romantic relationship, it is just as frequently applied to caregivers or pets.
Examples
When they were dating, they were inseparable, just like Siamese twins.
The puppy is very clingy and follows me everywhere without leaving my side.
Related words
Common phrases
to look after someone with constant care
to follow someone closely without leaving their side
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe professional or casual proximity, as it implies a level of devotion or dependency that is too strong for standard workplace or social settings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
