离开
líkāi
To leave in Chinese is 离开 (líkāi).
The verb 离开 is used to describe both the physical act of departing from a specific location or person, and the metaphorical departure from a particular state or position.
Meaning: to depart (intransitive) (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 离开 is composed of two parts: 离, which means to part or separate and 开, which means to open or depart.
Which one should you use?
While 离开 specifically denotes departing from a place or a person, the word 走 is a more colloquial way to express the idea of leaving or going in many daily contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate that the act of leaving has already occurred, you can add the particle 了 after the verb to form 离开了, meaning 'left' or 'has left'.
How do you pronounce it?
líkāi
Did you know?
- The character 离 in 离开 was originally a pictograph of a bird separating from its nest or another bird, visualizing the act of parting.
- While 离开 is a neutral term for departing, the word 走 can sometimes imply 'leaving' in the sense of 'leaving a situation' or even 'passing away' in certain euphemistic contexts.
- The sense of 'separation' in 离 is so strong that it is also used in words describing divorce or the parting of lovers, adding a layer of emotional weight.
Examples in context
- 别离开房间。Don't leave the room.This example shows how to use 离开 to tell someone not to leave a room.Tatoeba #1361970 by sadhen, translation #1360980 by CK
- 汤姆想离开。Tom wanted to leave.This example uses 离开 to express a desire to depart.Tatoeba #5551192 by verdastelo9604, translation #3442202 by CK
- 我就要离开了。I was just about to leave.This example demonstrates using 离开 to describe an imminent departure.Tatoeba #5845642 by verdastelo9604, translation #1839520 by CK
- 我想请假两天去参加婚礼。I would like to take two days off to attend a wedding.
- 我决定辞职寻找更好的机会。I have decided to resign and look for better opportunities.
- 我得走了，明天再见！I have to go now, see you tomorrow!
- 我们准备离开这个城市，去探索新的冒险。We are getting ready to leave this city and embark on new adventures.
- 明天我将告别家人，前往外地工作。Tomorrow, I will say goodbye to my family and go to work in another city.
- 他悄然离去，只留下一纸空空的承诺。He silently left, leaving behind only an empty promise.
- 66 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yuting and Haoran are at a train station.
- 雨婷 Yuting你的火车什么时候离开？Nǐ de huǒchē shénme shíhou líkāi?When does your train leave?
- 浩然 Haoran十点钟离开。Shí diǎn zhōng líkāi.It leaves at ten o'clock.
- 雨婷 Yuting那你现在就得离开了。Nà nǐ xiànzài jiù děi líkāi le.Then you have to leave now.
- 浩然 Haoran好的，我离开吧。Hǎo de, wǒ líkāi ba.Okay, I'll head off.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
