Chinese word

流连忘返

Pronunciation

Pinyinliú lián wàng fǎn

Meaning

  • idiombe reluctant to leave

Example

这家餐厅氛围很好，让人流连忘返。zhè jiā cān tīng fēn wéi hěn hǎo ràng rén liú lián wàng fǎn

The restaurant has a great atmosphere, making people reluctant to leave.

Illustration for 流连忘返 (be reluctant to leave)

More examples

游客们在古镇里逛了一天，还在流连忘返。yóu kè men zài gǔ zhèn lǐ guàng le yì tiān hái zài liú lián wàng fǎn

The tourists spent all day walking around the old town and are still reluctant to leave.

Core concept

Enjoyment stretches a visit past its planned end because the place or experience remains absorbing.

Common phrases

  • 游客流连忘返yóu kè liú lián wàng fǎn

    tourists reluctant to leave

  • 让人流连忘返的美食ràng rén liú lián wàng fǎn de měi shí

    food that makes people reluctant to leave

Similar words

依依不舍yī yī bù shě: Feeling sad and unwilling to leave when parting from someone or something dear.
恋恋不舍liàn liàn bù shě: Feeling a strong pull toward someone or something and finding it hard to let go.
难舍难分nán shě nán fēn: Being deeply attached to each other and finding separation difficult.

Definition in Chinese

用于表示某地或某种体验吸引人，使人留连不舍、难以离开。yòng yú biǎo shì mǒu dì huò móu zhǒng tǐ yàn xī yǐn rén shǐ rén liú lián bù shě nán yǐ lí kāi

Word origin

流连忘返 (liúliánwàngfǎn, "linger and forget to return") joins the ideas of staying on and losing sight of the way back, creating a picture of unwilling departure.

Usage tips

  • In reviews and conversation, this expression usually signals a memorable positive experience rather than a practical reason for staying late.

Other meanings

  • lingeridiom

Related words

  • 流连liú liánlingerverb

Word lists with this word