# 形影不离

xíng yǐng bù lí

Stay very close and seldom apart

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Form and shadow do not separate

**Traditional Chinese:** 形影不離

**Register:** General · spoken & written

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe close companions who spend much time together.

A figurative description; close relationships can also include independence.

## The image & its use

A shadow seems to accompany the person who casts it wherever they go. This expression uses that closeness to describe companions who are rarely seen apart. It can fit friends, siblings, or another pair with a warm and constant connection. The image is affectionate, but it need not mean that each person has no independent interests. Explain what they enjoy doing together. A close bond can remain strong while allowing separate activities, other friendships, and time alone.

## Examples

这对姐妹形影不离，常一起读书和散步。

### Traditional Chinese

這對姐妹形影不離，常一起讀書和散步。

zhè duì jiě mèi xíng yǐng bù lí ， cháng yì qǐ dú shū hé sàn bù 。

The sisters are close companions who often read and walk together.

两位朋友在夏令营里形影不离。

### Traditional Chinese

兩位朋友在夏令營裡形影不離。

liǎng wèi péng yǒu zài xià lìng yíng lǐ xíng yǐng bù lí 。

The two friends were inseparable during the summer camp.

她和小狗形影不离，走到哪里都带着它。

### Traditional Chinese

她和小狗形影不離，走到哪裡都帶著它。

tā hé xiǎo gǒu xíng yǐng bù lí ， zǒu dào nǎ lǐ dōu dài zhe tā 。

She and her little dog are constant companions.

小时候我们形影不离，现在也常联系。

### Traditional Chinese

小時候我們形影不離，現在也常聯繫。

xiǎo shí hòu wǒ men xíng yǐng bù lí ， xiàn zài yě cháng lián xì 。

We were inseparable as children and still keep in touch often.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 7, 2026.

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=1490&webMd=1&la=0)

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%BD%A2%E5%BD%B1%E4%B8%8D%E9%9B%A2)

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