to love sth too much to part with it (idiom); to fondle admiringly
HSK 7, i, rank #28804, Very Hard
àibúshìshǒu(ai4bu2shi4shou3) T4
1to love sth too much to part with it (idiom); to fondle admiringly
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March 24, 2026
爱不释手(愛不釋手)àibúshìshǒu(ai4bu2shi4shou3)
The idiom '爱不释手' describes a deep affection for an object or person, to the extent that one is reluctant to let go of it. It is often used to express a strong attachment to things like books, gifts, or even hobbies, indicating that one enjoys them so much they want to keep them close.
Frequency#28804DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, showing a deep attachment to objects, such as books or gifts from loved ones, is often seen as a virtue, reflecting one’s values and relationships. This idiom encapsulates the importance of emotional ties to possessions.
Memory Tip
Imagine holding a beloved book in your hands, unable to put it down because you love it so much. The characters '爱' (love) and '手' (hand) remind you of fondling something precious that you can’t bear to part with.
Meanings of 爱不释手
àibúshìshǒu(ai4bu2shi4shou3)
1to love sth too much to part with it (idiom); to fondle admiringly
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About 爱不释手
爱不释手Simplified
愛不釋手Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
成语chéngyǔidiom (id.)Part of Speech
#28804Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 爱不释手
Podcast: 爱不释手
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AI Study Notes for 爱不释手
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine holding a beloved book in your hands, unable to put it down because you love it so much. The characters '爱' (love) and '手' (hand) remind you of fondling something precious that you can’t bear to part with.
Usage Notes
This idiom is typically used in informal contexts when expressing fondness. A common mistake is to use it for transient feelings; however, it should imply a lasting attachment. Pay attention to the tone of '爱' (ai4) being the first tone and '释' (shi4) being the fourth tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 idiom, '爱不释手' connects well with other emotional expressions and idioms learned at this level. Students should focus on understanding idioms and their usages in context, as well as practicing them in conversation.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, showing a deep attachment to objects, such as books or gifts from loved ones, is often seen as a virtue, reflecting one’s values and relationships. This idiom encapsulates the importance of emotional ties to possessions.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the meaning of '爱不释手' with a temporary liking, using it in contexts where something is only briefly enjoyed. For example, saying '我今天爱不释手这件衣服' (I can’t part with this piece of clothing today) implies a fleeting affection, which is incorrect. It should express a lasting, deeper attachment.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 爱不释手
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Grammar Patterns of 爱不释手
爱不释手 functions as a four-character idiom (成语). Treat it as a fixed unit; it usually plays the role of a single adjective, adverb, or noun phrase inside the larger sentence. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
These chilling heroines make Hart's books compulsive reading.
Cultural Notes for 爱不释手
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, showing a deep attachment to objects, such as books or gifts from loved ones, is often seen as a virtue, reflecting one’s values and relationships. This idiom encapsulates the importance of emotional ties to possessions.
Frequently Asked Questions about 爱不释手
Yes, you can use '爱不释手' for people, but it is more commonly used for objects or experiences.
It is mainly used in informal contexts, making it suitable for everyday conversations.
You can say, '我对这本书爱不释手,' meaning 'I love this book so much that I can't put it down.'
