垂涎

chuíxián

verb #17,430

Meanings

Literally 'droop-saliva' - saliva hanging down, i.e. drooling

HSK 4

很多公司都对这块市场垂涎已久。

Hěnduō gōngsī dōu duì zhè kuài shìchǎng chuíxián yǐjiǔ.

Many companies have long coveted this market.

HSK 6

看到这些美食，他垂涎三尺。

Kàndào zhèxiē měishí, tā chuíxiánsānchǐ.

Seeing all this delicious food, he drooled with desire.

usage

Often used in set phrases: 垂涎三尺 (drool three feet - desperately craving) and 垂涎欲滴 (about to drool - mouth-watering).

垂 chuí

涎 xián