不辞而别

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: bù cí ér bié
• English Translation: To leave without saying goodbye, to depart without a word, to slip away
• Idiom Composition: 「不」（Not）＋「辞」（To bid farewell）＋「而」（And (connects clauses)）＋「别」（To part, to leave）
• Meaning: To leave without saying goodbye. It usually refers to a situation where someone intentionally or unintentionally departs without bidding farewell for some reason.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「不辞而别」 contains the following nuances:

• Sudden departure: Describes leaving suddenly without any prior notice.
• Intentional departure: Often means intentionally not saying goodbye for some reason.
• Guilt: Sometimes implies feelings of guilt or circumstances that make it difficult to say goodbye.
• Rudeness/Impropriety: In some cases, it can be considered a breach of etiquette.

3. Usage

「不辞而别」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Disappearance or departure: Used to describe situations where a person suddenly disappears or leaves an organization.
  • Example:「他昨天不辞而别，让我们都很惊讶。」
    （He left without saying goodbye yesterday, which surprised us all.）
• Severing ties: Also used to describe the sudden end of a relationship.
  • Example:「她不辞而别，可能是因为不想面对分手的尴尬。」
    （She left without a word, probably because she didn't want to face the awkwardness of breaking up.）
• Escaping from problems: Can also refer to leaving silently to escape from difficult situations or problems.
  • Example:「他不辞而别，可能是因为工作压力太大。」
    （He slipped away, probably because the work pressure was too much.）

Additional Examples:

1. 他因为家庭原因不辞而别，离开了公司。
   （He left the company without saying goodbye due to family reasons.）
2. 她因为和他吵架，一气之下不辞而别。
   （She had a fight with him and left without a word in a fit of anger.）
3. 由于无法忍受当地的条件，他选择了不辞而别。
   （Unable to endure the local conditions, he chose to leave without saying goodbye.）
4. 他们不辞而别，可能是因为不想参加这个聚会。
   （They left without a word, probably because they didn't want to attend the gathering.）
5. 他不辞而别，可能是因为不想面对这个困难的决定。
   （He left without saying goodbye, probably because he didn't want to face this difficult decision.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• Culture that values etiquette: In traditional Chinese culture, bidding farewell is considered an important etiquette. '不辞而别' is seen as an act lacking this etiquette and can give a rude impression.
• Impact on relationships: '不辞而别' can cause confusion and distrust among those left behind. Especially in close relationships, it can significantly affect the relationship.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 悄然离去 (qiāo rán lí qù): To leave quietly without anyone noticing, to slip away secretly.
  • 无声无息 (wú shēng wú xī): Without a sound, without a trace, quietly.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 依依不舍 (yī yī bù shě): To be reluctant to part, to be loath to leave.
  • 依依惜别 (yī yī xī bié): To be reluctant to part, unable to say goodbye.

6. Summary

'不辞而别' requires understanding not just the act of leaving without saying goodbye, but also the reasons behind it and its impact on relationships. It is important to understand Chinese etiquette culture to use this idiom appropriately.