Definition
坐立不安 is a four-character idiom that vividly describes the physical restlessness of someone who is extremely anxious, nervous, or worried — literally 'can't sit or stand still'. You use it when a person is so agitated that they keep shifting positions, unable to relax. It's common in both spoken and written Chinese to describe anticipation, worry, or fear.
f.e.
restless and anxiousfidgetyon edge
Examples
- ,坐立不安。Kǎoshì hái méi kāishǐ, tā jiù yǐjīng zuò lì bú le.The exam hadn't started yet, and he was already restless with anxiety.
- ,坐立不安。Děng le liǎng gè xiǎoshí hái méi xiāoxi, tā jí de zuò lì bú.After waiting two hours with no news, she was so worried she couldn't sit still.
- ,坐立不安。Tīng dào nàge huài xiāoxi hòu, tā zhěng wǎn zuò lì bú.After hearing that bad news, he was fidgety and anxious all night.
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