Chinese Idioms About Happiness

Expressions of Joy in Chinese Culture

Chinese idioms about happiness reflect the traditional Chinese understanding of joy, contentment, and well-being. They showcase the multi-layered Chinese perspective on happiness, from outward celebration to inner satisfaction, from personal joy to collective happiness.

Pure Joy

喜笑颜开

xǐ xiào yán kāi

To beam with joy; to break into a smile.

眉开眼笑

méi kāi yǎn xiào

To beam with happiness; to smile from ear to ear.

兴高采烈

xìng gāo cǎi liè

To be in high spirits; to be elated with joy.

笑逐颜开

xiào zhú yán kāi

To smile happily; to break into a joyous smile.

喜气洋洋

xǐ qì yáng yáng

To be in high spirits; radiating joy and happiness.

眉飞色舞

méi fēi sè wǔ

To be animated with joy; to be elated and excited.

Festive Celebration

欢天喜地

huān tiān xǐ dì

To be overjoyed; to be in a state of great happiness.

载歌载舞

zài gē zài wǔ

To sing and dance; to celebrate with great joy.

普天同庆

pǔ tiān tóng qìng

Universal celebration; everyone celebrating together.

扬眉吐气

yáng méi tǔ qì

To feel proud and elated; to feel relief and satisfaction.

喜气盈门

xǐ qì yíng mén

To be filled with joy and celebration; a household full of happiness.

鼓舞欢欣

gǔ wǔ huān xīn

To be inspired and joyful; to celebrate with enthusiasm.

Inner Contentment

心满意足

xīn mǎn yì zú

To be perfectly content; to be fully satisfied.

乐不思蜀

lè bù sī shǔ

To be so content with the present situation that one forgets to return home.

怡然自得

yí rán zì dé

To be content and happy with oneself; to be at ease.

安然自乐

ān rán zì lè

To be peaceful and happy; to find contentment in oneself.

悠然自得

yōu rán zì dé

To be carefree and content; to be at ease with oneself.

自得其乐

zì dé qí lè

To find happiness in one's own way; to be content with oneself.

Joy of Success

喜出望外

xǐ chū wàng wài

To be pleasantly surprised; to be overjoyed beyond expectations.

大喜过望

dà xǐ guò wàng

To be overjoyed; to be happier than expected.

欣喜若狂

xīn xǐ ruò kuáng

To be wild with joy; to be ecstatic with happiness.

喜不自胜

xǐ bù zì shèng

To be overwhelmed with joy; unable to contain one's happiness.

欢欣鼓舞

huān xīn gǔ wǔ

To be elated and encouraged; to be inspired with joy.

扬眉得意

yáng méi dé yì

To be proud and pleased with one's success.

Harmonious Happiness

其乐融融

qí lè róng róng

To be in perfect harmony; a scene of perfect happiness.

和颜悦色

hé yán yuè sè

To have a kind and pleasant expression; to be amiable.

和气生财

hé qì shēng cái

Harmony brings wealth; being amiable leads to prosperity.

乐融融

lè róng róng

To be in a state of perfect harmony and happiness.

和乐融融

hé lè róng róng

To live in harmony and happiness; a harmonious family atmosphere.

和睦相处

hé mù xiāng chǔ

To live together in harmony; to get along well with others.

Daily Happiness

开怀大笑

kāi huái dà xiào

To laugh heartily; to have a good laugh.

乐在其中

lè zài qí zhōng

To find pleasure in what one is doing; to enjoy oneself.

乐此不疲

lè cǐ bù pí

To enjoy something so much that one never tires of it.

心花怒放

xīn huā nù fàng

To be blooming with happiness; to be overjoyed.

笑逐颜开

xiào zhú yán kāi

To break into a smile; to beam with joy.

乐不可支

lè bù kě zhī

To be beside oneself with joy; to be overwhelmed with happiness.