每天成语
background texture
< 形形色色忍饥挨饿 >

念念不忘

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: niàn niàn bù wàng
  • English Translation: Never forgetting for a moment (constantly bearing in mind)
  • Idiom Composition: 「念念」（Thinking continuously; thoughts arising one after another）＋「不」（Not）＋「忘」（To forget）
  • Meaning: To keep something or someone in one's heart or mind constantly and never forget it for a single moment. It implies a strong emotional attachment, whether it be gratitude, love, or even a lingering obsession.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「念念不忘」 contains the following nuances:

  • Continuous Thought: As the repetition in 念念 (niàn niàn) suggests, it emphasizes a state where thoughts are continuous and persistent rather than just a single memory.
  • Emotional Depth: It isn't just about memory capacity; it implies the subject is deeply engraved in the heart, making it 'unforgettable' due to strong feelings.
  • Broad Application: It can apply to anything from a benefactor, hometown, or lover to a revenge plot, a failure, or an unachieved goal.

3. Usage

「念念不忘」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Gratitude or Original Intent (Positive): Used to praise someone for remembering a kindness or staying true to their initial goals and principles.
    • Example:「他对老师当年的教诲念念不忘，时刻以此激励自己。」
      （He never forgot for a moment the teachings of his teacher from years ago, using them to motivate himself constantly.）
  • Attachment or Obsession (Neutral to Negative): Describes an inability to let go of past glory, a lost love, or even a small grudge.
    • Example:「分手多年，他依然对初恋女友念念不忘。」
      （Even though they broke up years ago, he is still unable to forget his first girlfriend.）
  • Longing or Expectation: Describes a state of constantly thinking about a dream or something one strongly desires to obtain.
    • Example:「那个孩子对橱窗里的玩具念念不忘，终于在生日那天得到了它。」
      （That child had his heart set on the toy in the shop window and finally got it for his birthday.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 虽然身在海外，但他对家乡的美食始终念念不忘。
    （Despite living abroad, he constantly misses the delicious food of his hometown.）
  2. 必有回响是念念不忘的结果吗？
    （Is 'having an echo' the result of constantly keeping something in mind?）
  3. 老一辈人对过去的艰苦岁月念念不忘，经常教育我们要珍惜现在。
    （The older generation never forgets the hardships of the past and often teaches us to cherish the present.）
  4. 别对那次失败念念不忘，要向前看。
    （Don't dwell on that failure; you need to look forward.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Source: Derived from the Complete Works of Master Zhu (朱子全书 - Zhū Zǐ Quán Shū) by the Song Dynasty scholar Zhu Xi (朱熹). It originally referred to keeping moral teachings like loyalty and sincerity constantly in mind.
  • Modern Usage: The phrase gained renewed popularity through the movie The Grandmaster (一代宗师), specifically the line 'Keep thinking of it, and there will be an echo' (念念不忘，必有回响 - niàn niàn bù wàng, bì yǒu huí xiǎng). This added a romantic or philosophical nuance, suggesting that persistent belief eventually brings results.
  • Nuance: Depending on the context, it can range from the virtue of 'never forgetting a favor' to the stubbornness of 'holding a grudge' or being unable to move on.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

The idiom 念念不忘 (niàn niàn bù wàng) describes a state of being unable to let go of a thought, person, or event. While it often refers to cherished memories or deep gratitude, it can also describe a sentimental attachment to the past or an inability to move on from a failure. The core of the idiom is the persistent "thought" (念) that remains anchored in the mind.

'造句' Feature Usage Guide

造句练习📝

Try creating sentences using '念念不忘'!

0/50