寸步不离
cùn bù bù lí
to stay right by someone’s side
Character by character
寸cùn
inch
inch
步bù
step
step
不bù
not
not
离lí
leave
leave
Example
孩子刚学会走路，奶奶寸步不离地跟在后面。
The child has only just learnt to walk, and Grandma follows right behind at every step.
Tone: neutral.
Usage and origin
寸步 is a step an inch long. Usually with 地 before a verb, 寸步不离地守着, 跟着, 看着, of carers, guards and anxious parents; it can also hint that someone is being watched too closely. Do not confuse it with 寸步难行 (lesson 1-4), unable to move a step.
Learn this in Lesson 161 · HSK 7–9: 忘了回家的路 (Forgetting the way home)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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