形影不离

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: xíng yǐng bù lí
• English Translation: Inseparable like form and shadow; always together, never apart
• Idiom Composition: 「形」（Form, shape）＋「影」（Shadow）＋「不」（Not）＋「离」（To separate, to leave）
• Meaning: Describes a relationship as inseparable as form and shadow, always close and never apart. It expresses a very close bond between two people or between a person and an object, always being together.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「形影不离」 contains the following nuances:

• Close relationship: Indicates a very intimate relationship between two parties, bound by a strong and inseparable bond.
• Always together: Describes being physically together all the time, sharing actions and presence.
• Strong dependence: Implies a relationship where one party strongly depends on the other, or both mutually support each other.
• Deep affection: Often used to describe relationships bound by deep love or friendship, such as lovers, spouses, parent and child, or close friends.

3. Usage

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

• Describing human relationships: Used to describe two people in an intimate relationship, such as lovers, spouses, parent and child, or close friends.
  • Example:「他们两个从小一起长大，形影不离。」
    （They have grown up together since childhood and are inseparable.）
• Relationship between person and object: Can also describe a close relationship between a person and a pet or an object that the person cherishes.
  • Example:「自从养了这只小猫，她就和它形影不离。」
    （Since she got this kitten, she has been inseparable from it.）
• Figurative expression: Sometimes used metaphorically to express a strong emotional bond regardless of physical distance.
  • Example:「虽然他们现在身处异地，但他们的心却形影不离。」
    （Although they are now apart geographically, their hearts are always together.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这对双胞胎姐妹从小就形影不离，感情非常好。
   （These twin sisters have been inseparable since childhood and share a very close bond.）
2. 结婚后，他们夫妻二人形影不离，一起经营着一家小店。
   （After getting married, the couple has been inseparable, running a small shop together.）
3. 无论走到哪里，他都带着那块玉佩，就像形影不离的伙伴一样。
   （Wherever he goes, he carries that jade pendant, like an inseparable companion.）
4. 在那段艰难的日子里，他们互相扶持，形影不离。
   （During those difficult days, they supported each other and were inseparable.）
5. 尽管工作繁忙，他还是尽量抽出时间和家人在一起，与孩子们形影不离。
   （Despite being busy with work, he tries to make time to be with his family and is always together with his children.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In traditional Chinese culture, human relationships, especially bonds with family and close friends, are highly valued. The idiom '形影不离' reflects this cultural background.
• In Chinese, '形' (form) and '影' (shadow) are often used symbolically to represent inseparable relationships or a shared destiny. '形影不离' cleverly utilizes this symbolism to express a close and inseparable bond.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 如影随形 (rú yǐng suí xíng): To follow closely like a shadow follows the form.
  • 密不可分 (mì bù kě fēn): Closely connected and inseparable.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 分道扬镳 (fēn dào yáng biāo): To go separate ways; to part company.
  • 各奔东西 (gè bèn dōng xī): Each goes in a different direction; to part ways.

6. Summary

'形影不离' is a beautiful idiom that expresses not only physical closeness but also relationships bound by deep love, friendship, and strong ties. Understanding the importance of human relationships in Chinese culture and using this idiom appropriately can enable richer and deeper communication.