离不开

• Pinyin: lí bu kāi
• Hanzi breakdown: 离 = pictograph related to a mythical bird, now means to leave/separate; 不 = negation; 开 = open/away

Meaning

Cannot do without; cannot be separated from. Expresses strong dependence on someone or something.

A resultative complement structure: 离 (leave/separate) + 不 (not) + 开 (open/away). Indicates that one cannot separate from or function without something or someone. Used for emotional dependence, practical necessity, or habitual reliance. The positive form 离得开 is less common and usually appears in questions.

Examples

1. 现在的年轻人离不开手机。 Young people nowadays can't do without their phones.
2. 孩子太小，离不开妈妈。 The child is too young and can't be away from mum.
3. 做中国菜离不开酱油和醋。 You can't make Chinese food without soy sauce and vinegar.

Usage Guide

Context: dependence, relationships, habits, everyday

Tone: emphatic

Do Say

• 我的工作离不开电脑。(My work can't do without a computer.)
• 她离不开她的猫，走到哪儿都想带着。(She can't be apart from her cat — she wants to take it everywhere.)

Don't Say

• 我离不开这个地方走 (离不开 already includes the meaning of cannot leave — don't add 走; just say 我离不开这个地方)

Origin & History

A potential complement construction from 离开 (to leave/separate) with the infixed 不 indicating inability. Literally: unable to separate away from.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal