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离不开 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
离不开líbukāiinseparableHSK 4, unknown, rank #10779, Hard
离不开líbukāiinevitably linked toHSK 4, unknown, rank #10779, Hard
líbukāi(li2bu5kai1) T2
  1. 1inseparable
  2. 2inevitably linked to
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March 24, 2026
离不开(離不開)líbukāi(li2bu5kai1)

离不开 (lí bù kāi) means 'inseparable' or 'inevitably linked to.' It is commonly used to express the idea that certain things or people are essential to each other, often in emotional or practical contexts. For example, one might say that family and love are 离不开, indicating a deep connection that cannot be broken.

Frequency#10779DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, familial and romantic bonds are deeply valued, and the concept of being 离不开 emphasizes the importance of these relationships. This reflects the broader cultural notion of interdependence within families and communities.

Memory Tip

Imagine a pair of lovers holding hands tightly, symbolizing that they 离不开 each other. The character 离 (lí) signifies separation, while 不 (bù) means 'not' and 开 (kāi) means 'to open'—together they emphasize that something cannot be separated or opened apart.

Meanings of 离不开

líbukāi(li2bu5kai1)
1inseparable
2inevitably linked to
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 离不开

离不开Simplified
離不開Traditional
Strokes
Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1

Podcast: 离不开

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Podcast: 离不开

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AI Study Notes for 离不开

Quick Contrast

无法分离 (wúfǎ fēnlí) vs 离不开 (líbukāi): use 离不开 for a stronger emotional or practical connection, while 无法分离 suggests a more neutral or factual separation issue.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a pair of lovers holding hands tightly, symbolizing that they 离不开 each other. The character 离 (lí) signifies separation, while 不 (bù) means 'not' and 开 (kāi) means 'to open'—together they emphasize that something cannot be separated or opened apart.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 离不开 in contexts where a less intense connection is meant; for example, saying '工作离不开我' (work is inseparable from me) could be too strong. This phrase is more suitable in informal conversations, particularly when discussing relationships or essential needs.

HSK Study Tips

While 离不开 is not included in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with HSK Level 3 words like 关系 (guānxì, relationship) and 重要 (zhòngyào, important). Students should focus on understanding the emotional weight behind the term.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, familial and romantic bonds are deeply valued, and the concept of being 离不开 emphasizes the importance of these relationships. This reflects the broader cultural notion of interdependence within families and communities.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 离不开 with similar phrases like 需要 (xūyào, need). For example, saying '我离不开这份工作' (I can't live without this job) might suggest a stronger emotional tie than intended; a better choice could be '我需要这份工作' (I need this job).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 离不开

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Component Characters

to leave
HSK 210 strokes
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(negative prefix)
HSK 14 strokes
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kāito open
HSK 14 strokes
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Write 离不开

Practice writing 离不开 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Usage Notes for 离不开

Misunderstanding of 离不开Common Error

Learners often misunderstand 离不开 as being able to leave something behind, while it actually means that something is indispensable or cannot be separated from something else.

1

这个工作离不开团队合作。

This work cannot be done without teamwork.

Exercise 1 of 1

Fill in the Blank

这个工作____团队合作。

This work cannot be done without teamwork.

Cultural Notes for 离不开

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, familial and romantic bonds are deeply valued, and the concept of being 离不开 emphasizes the importance of these relationships. This reflects the broader cultural notion of interdependence within families and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions about 离不开

It's best to use 离不开 in personal contexts, as it conveys strong emotional ties, which may not be appropriate in formal or professional settings.