unable to stay idle; always busy
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesverb
to be unable to stay idle; to always keep oneself busy
dialectA descriptive term from northern dialects (especially Beijing Mandarin), often used to characterize someone who is naturally industrious and finds something to do at all times. It carries a neutral to slightly commendatory tone, admiring one's energy and diligence.
Wǒ我
nǎi奶
nai奶
kě可
zhēn真
shì是
shǔ属
mì蜜
fēng蜂
de的
，
yī一
bèi辈
zi子
bù不
shí识
xián闲
r儿
。
My grandma is really like a bee—she's never been able to stay idle her whole life.
Zhè这
hái孩
zi子
shǒu手
jiǎo脚
bù不
shí识
xián闲
r儿
，
yī一
huì会
er儿
bù不
kàn看
zhe着
，
jiù就
bǎ把
wán玩
jù具
chāi拆
le了
。
This child can't keep his hands still; if you don't watch him for a moment, he takes his toys apart.
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Tuì退
xiū休
hòu后
tā他
fǎn反
ér而
gèng更
bù不
shí识
xián闲
r儿
le了
，
bù不
shì是
yǎng养
huā花
jiù就
shì是
liàn练
shū书
fǎ法
。
After retiring, he became even busier, either gardening or practicing calligraphy.