Definition
恋 (liàn) is a bound morpheme (b.f.) — it rarely stands alone and instead appears as the first or second element in compound words related to love, attachment, or longing. Common compounds include 恋爱 (liàn'ài, to be in love / romance), 恋人 (liànrén, lover), 留恋 (liúliàn, reluctant to leave / nostalgia), and 恋家 (liànjiā, homesick). Knowing these compounds is far more useful than treating 恋 as a standalone verb.
b.f.
(bound form) to loveto be fond of(bound form) to be attached toto have a strong emotional connection to
Examples
- 。Tāmen zhèngzài tán liàn ài.They are falling in love (lit. talking about love).
- 。Tā duì jiāxiāng shífēn liú liàn.He feels very nostalgic for his hometown (lit. reluctant to leave).
- 。Tā shì wǒ zuì ài de liàn rén.She is my dearest lover.
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