Definition
形影不离 (xíng yǐng bù lí) is a vivid set phrase meaning 'inseparable, always together' — it describes people who are so close they're never apart, like a body and its shadow. 紧密 (jǐn mì) is an adjective meaning 'close, tight' (e.g., 紧密联系 'close connection'), but it describes relationships or connections abstractly, not the constant physical togetherness that 形影不离 emphasizes.
phrase
inseparablealways together (like form and shadow)
Examples
- 形影不离，。Tāmen liǎ xíng yǐng bù lí, qù nǎr dōu yìqǐ.The two of them are inseparable; they go everywhere together.
- 形影不离，。Zhè duì qínglǚ xíng yǐng bù lí, zhēnshi xiànmù rén.This couple is inseparable — really enviable.
- 形影不离。Wǒmen cóng xiǎoxué jiù shì xíng yǐng bù lí de hǎo péngyou.We have been inseparable good friends since elementary school.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.