In this episode, we explore the Chinese phrase 离不开 (lí bù kāi) — which means “can’t live without.” Learn how native speakers use it to express dependence, habits, and deep connections. We’ll break it down with clear examples, a short dialogue, and pronunciation practice to help you sound more natural when speaking Mandarin.

Examples:

1. 他离不开咖啡，每天都要喝。

Tā lí bù kāi kāfēi, měitiān dōu yào hē.

He can’t live without coffee; he drinks it every day.

2. 他离不开他的家人。

Tā lí bù kāi tā de jiārén.

He can't be apart from his family

3. 成功离不开努力和机会。

Chénggōng lí bù kāi nǔlì hé jīhuì.

Success depends on both effort and opportunity.

4.这件事离不开大家的努力。

Zhè jiàn shì lí bù kāi dàjiā de nǔlì.

This matter can't succeed without everyone's effort.

🗣 Dialogue: 离不开 (Lí bù Kāi)

A: 你觉得你离不开什么东西？
Nǐ juéde nǐ lí bù kāi shénme dōngxī?
What do you think you can’t live without?

B: 我觉得我离不开手机和家人。
Wǒ juéde wǒ lí bù kāi shǒujī hé jiārén.
I think I can’t live without my phone and my family.

A: 为什么手机排在第一位呢？
Wèishénme shǒujī páizài dì yī wèi ne?
Why is your phone in first place?

B: 因为手机帮我工作，也让我跟朋友保持联系。
Yīnwèi shǒujī bāng wǒ gōngzuò, yě ràng wǒ gēn péngyǒu bǎochí liánxì.
Because my phone helps me with work and lets me stay in touch with my friends.

A: 是啊，现在大家都离不开手机了。
Shì a, xiànzài dàjiā dōu lí bù kāi shǒujī le.
Yeah, these days everyone can’t live without their phones.

B: 对，而且家人也很重要，离开他们我会很孤单。
Duì, érqiě jiārén yě hěn zhòngyào, lí kāi tāmen wǒ huì hěn gūdān.
Right, and family is very important too — without them, I’d feel really lonely.