形影不离

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: xíng yǐng bù lí
• English Translation: Inseparable (like a body and its shadow)
• Idiom Composition: 「形」（The physical body or form）＋「影」（The shadow）＋「不」（Not）＋「离」（To leave or separate）
• Meaning: Describes a relationship where two people (or a person and an animal/object) are extremely close and always together, just as a shadow never leaves the body. It is often used as a compliment to describe a very strong bond.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「形影不离」 contains the following nuances:

• Physical Proximity: This idiom emphasizes not just emotional closeness, but the fact that the subjects spend almost all their time physically together.
• Intimacy of the Bond: It is used for deep bonds between friends, couples, or even pets, where the two are rarely seen apart, suggesting a high level of mutual reliance.

3. Usage

「形影不离」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Close Friendships: The most common usage, describing two friends at school or work who are always seen together.
  • Example:「她们俩从小学开始就是形影不离的好朋友。」
    （The two of them have been inseparable best friends since elementary school.）
• Couples and Spouses: Describes a couple in love or a devoted husband and wife who are rarely apart.
  • Example:「这对老夫妻结婚五十年了，依然形影不离，让人羡慕。」
    （This elderly couple has been married for fifty years and they are still always together, which is truly enviable.）
• People and Objects/Pets: Can be used metaphorically to describe someone who never lets go of a specific object (like a phone) or is always with a pet.
  • Example:「现在的年轻人几乎都跟手机形影不离。」
    （Young people today are almost inseparable from their smartphones.）

Additional Examples:

1. 那只小狗整天跟在主人身后，简直是形影不离。
   （The puppy follows its owner all day long; they are truly inseparable.）
2. 这对双胞胎兄弟性格迥异，但行动上却是形影不离。
   （These twins have very different personalities, but they are always together in everything they do.）
3. 自从生病以后，护士便与他形影不离，悉心照料。
   （Since he fell ill, the nurse has been by his side constantly, taking care of him with great devotion.）
4. 孤独和寂寞仿佛与他形影不离。
   （It was as if loneliness and solitude were constantly haunting him like a shadow.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The concept of the relationship between 形 (xíng - form/body) and 影 (yǐng - shadow) is a classic motif in Chinese literature and philosophy, symbolizing an unbreakable connection. Early examples of this usage can be found in works like the Notes of the Yuewei Hermitage (阅微草堂笔记) from the Qing Dynasty (清朝).
• While usually positive, implying a beautiful bond, it can occasionally be used to describe a dependency that is hard to break, similar to being 'joined at the hip' in English. However, for learners, it is best understood as a way to describe deep intimacy.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 如影随形 (rú yǐng suí xíng): Like a shadow following the body; used for very close relationships or to describe an inevitable cause-and-effect relationship.
  • 寸步不离 (cùn bù bù lí): Not leaving by even a single step; emphasizes physical proximity or constant guarding/protection.
  • 朝夕相处 (zhāo xī xiāng chǔ): To be together from morning till night.link
  • 密不可分 (mì bù kě fēn): Inseparable; very close and impossible to separate.link
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 形单影只 (xíng dān yǐng zhī): A single body and a single shadow; describes being lonely and having no one to rely on.
  • 天各一方 (tiān gè yī fāng): Each at opposite ends of the sky; being far apart from one another.
  • 视同陌路 (shì tóng mò lù): To treat someone as a stranger.link
  • 各奔前程 (gè bèn qián chéng): Each goes his own way to pursue his future.link

6. Summary

形影不离 (xíng yǐng bù lí) is a vivid idiom used to describe an inseparable bond. Whether it is best friends, lovers, or a pet and its owner, it highlights a relationship where the parties are physically and emotionally close, moving together like a physical form and its shadow.