naan4 se2 naan4 lei4難捨難離难舍难离
Definition
Hard to part with; deeply attached to a person or thing, making it difficult to separate or let go.
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of sentimental reluctance, often used to describe the intense emotional bond between lovers, family members, or even a person and their cherished belongings. It implies a state where the emotional connection is so profound that the prospect of separation causes genuine distress or hesitation. While it can describe romantic relationships, it is equally applicable to the feeling of leaving a place you have lived in for a long time or parting with a beloved pet.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistake this for a simple verb meaning to miss someone, but it specifically emphasizes the difficulty of the act of leaving or separating. It is a descriptive idiom rather than a simple action, so it is usually used with 係 or 覺得 to describe a state of being.
Grammar color guide
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.
