络绎不绝
*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.
1. Basic Information
- Pinyin: luò yì bù jué
- English Translation: A continuous stream (in an endless flow)
- Idiom Composition: 「络绎」(As a compound word, it describes the way silk threads or horse reins are linked together, signifying a continuous flow.)
+ 「不」(Not.) + 「绝」(To break, cut off, or end.) - Meaning: Describes a scene where people, vehicles, or horses come and go in a continuous, unbroken stream. It depicts a state of constant movement and activity, usually in a lively or busy context.
2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances
「络绎不绝」 contains the following nuances:
- Physical Continuity: The term 络绎 (luò yì) originally described the process of reeling silk from a cocoon, emphasizing that the movement is physically linked and unbroken.
- Specific Targets: This idiom is primarily used for moving entities such as people, cars, or horses. It is generally not used for static objects or abstract concepts like thoughts or emotions.
- Vibrancy and Prosperity: By describing a large number of things in motion, it suggests the prosperity of a location or the great success of an event.
3. Usage
「络绎不绝」 is mainly used in the following contexts:
- Tourism and Events: The most common usage, describing tourists or participants arriving one after another.
- Example:「故宫博物院每天的参观者络绎不绝。」
(The Forbidden City (故宫) has a continuous stream of visitors every day.)
- Example:「故宫博物院每天的参观者络绎不绝。」
- Traffic Conditions: Describes the constant flow of vehicles or pedestrians on a busy street.
- Example:「这条商业街上车水马龙,行人络绎不绝。」
(On this commercial street, traffic is heavy and there is an endless flow of pedestrians.)
- Example:「这条商业街上车水马龙,行人络绎不绝。」
- Visitors or Callers: Used when many people visit a specific person or location in succession.
- Example:「听说老教授生病了,前来探望的学生络绎不绝。」
(Hearing that the old professor was ill, students came to visit him in an unending stream.)
- Example:「听说老教授生病了,前来探望的学生络绎不绝。」
Additional Examples:
- 每逢春节,去庙里烧香祈福的人总是络绎不绝。
(Every Spring Festival (春节), there is a continuous stream of people going to temples to burn incense and pray.) - 展会现场气氛热烈,咨询的客户络绎不绝。
(The atmosphere at the exhibition was lively, with customers arriving one after another in a steady stream to make inquiries.) - 虽然下着大雨,但来这家网红店打卡的人依然络绎不绝。
(Despite the heavy rain, people are still coming to this 'Instagrammable' shop in an endless flow.) - 边境口岸上,载满货物的卡车络绎不绝。
(At the border crossing, trucks loaded with goods are passing through in a continuous line.)
4. Cultural Background and Notes
- The term 络绎 (luò yì) originally referred to the way silk is pulled from a cocoon or how horse reins are connected. Over time, it evolved to mean 'continuous and uninterrupted' in a general sense.
- It is used in both written and spoken Chinese, though it carries a slightly formal and descriptive tone. It is frequently seen in news reports, travelogues, and formal essays to set a scene of activity.
- It represents the opposite of 门可罗雀 (mén kě luó què), which describes a place so deserted you could catch sparrows at the door. Thus, it is often used in positive contexts to show popularity or success.
5. Similar and Opposite Idioms
- Similar Idioms:
- 川流不息 (chuān liú bù xī): Flowing like a river; used for people, cars, or even the passage of time to show something never stops.link
- 接踵而至 (jiē zhǒng ér zhì): Coming one after another, so close that one's toes touch the predecessor's heels.
- 源源不断 (yuán yuán bù duàn): Flowing in a continuous stream; an unending supply.link
- Opposite Idioms:
- 门可罗雀 (mén kě luó què): So quiet that one can set a net to catch sparrows at the door; describes a complete lack of visitors.
- 人迹罕至 (rén jì hǎn zhì): Where human footprints are rarely seen; describes a deserted or remote place.link
- 寥寥无几 (liáo liáo wú jǐ): Very few in number.link
- 无人问津 (wú rén wèn jīn): No one cares or shows interest.link
6. Summary
络绎不绝 (luò yì bù jué) is a common idiom used to describe a never-ending flow of people or traffic. It is frequently used to portray the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions, popular shops, or event venues. The term 络绎 (luò yì) originally referred to the continuity of silk threads or horse reins, emphasizing a physical, unbroken movement.
