爱不释手

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: ài bú shì shǒu
• English Translation: To like something so much that one cannot let it go; to be deeply fascinated or attached
• Idiom Composition: 「爱」（To love, to like）＋「不」（Cannot, not）＋「释」（To release, to let go）＋「手」（Hand）
• Meaning: Describes a state of liking something so much that one cannot let it go. It can be used for both objects and people.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「爱不释手」 contains the following nuances:

• Strong attachment: Expresses a very strong affection or attachment to the object.
• Immersion and fascination: Indicates being captivated and deeply absorbed in something.
• Desire to possess: May include the feeling of wanting to keep or exclusively possess the object.
• High appreciation: Can also express a high evaluation and admiration of the object's value.

3. Usage

「爱不释手」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Strong attachment to objects: Used to describe strong affection for favorite or beloved objects.
  • Example:「这个新手机功能强大，我真是爱不释手。」
    （This new phone has powerful features, and I really can't put it down.）
• Strong affection towards people: Sometimes used to express strong affection towards loved or important people.
  • Example:「她对那件精美的首饰爱不释手，每天都戴着。」
    （She is so fond of that exquisite piece of jewelry that she wears it every day.）
• Immersion in hobbies or activities: Used to describe being deeply absorbed in hobbies or activities.
  • Example:「他对这本小说爱不释手，连续读了好几遍。」
    （He was so fascinated by this novel that he read it several times in a row.）

Additional Examples:

1. 孩子们对新买的玩具爱不释手，连吃饭都不愿意放下。
   （The children love their new toys so much that they don't want to put them down even during meals.）
2. 这件艺术品如此精美，让人看了爱不释手。
   （This artwork is so exquisite that it captivates anyone who sees it.）
3. 自从他开始学习摄影，就对相机爱不释手。
   （Since he started learning photography, he has been deeply attached to his camera.）
4. 她对男朋友送的礼物爱不释手，一直珍藏着。
   （She treasures the gift from her boyfriend so much that she keeps it carefully all the time.）
5. 这本书的内容太精彩了，让我爱不释手，一口气读完了。
   （The content of this book was so fascinating that I couldn't put it down and read it all at once.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• The Chinese character '爱' (love) is used broadly to express strong liking or affection, not limited to romantic feelings. The idiom '爱不释手' reflects this wide usage.
• '爱不释手' is a figurative expression and does not literally mean physically unable to let go. It emphasizes strong affection or attachment to the object.
• When used for people, it expresses deep love or attachment rather than possessiveness or exclusivity as with objects.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 如获至宝 (rú huò zhì bǎo): To feel as if one has obtained a priceless treasure; to be delighted by acquiring something very precious.
  • 珍而重之 (zhēn ér zhòng zhī): To cherish and value something highly.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 弃如敝屣 (qì rú bì xǐ): To discard something as if it were worn-out shoes; to throw away without any regret.

6. Summary

'爱不释手' is a very useful idiom to express strong attachment or fascination towards objects or people. Whether the subject is an object or a person, it vividly depicts a state of high appreciation and captivation. Using this idiom enriches your Chinese expression and makes it more vivid.