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
To beam with joy; to break into a smile.
眉开眼笑
To beam with happiness; to smile from ear to ear.
兴高采烈
To be in high spirits; to be elated with joy.
笑逐颜开
To smile happily; to break into a joyous smile.
喜气洋洋
To be in high spirits; radiating joy and happiness.
眉飞色舞
To be animated with joy; to be elated and excited.
Festive Celebration
欢天喜地
To be overjoyed; to be in a state of great happiness.
载歌载舞
To sing and dance; to celebrate with great joy.
普天同庆
Universal celebration; everyone celebrating together.
扬眉吐气
To feel proud and elated; to feel relief and satisfaction.
喜气盈门
To be filled with joy and celebration; a household full of happiness.
鼓舞欢欣
To be inspired and joyful; to celebrate with enthusiasm.
Inner Contentment
心满意足
To be perfectly content; to be fully satisfied.
乐不思蜀
To be so content with the present situation that one forgets to return home.
怡然自得
To be content and happy with oneself; to be at ease.
安然自乐
To be peaceful and happy; to find contentment in oneself.
悠然自得
To be carefree and content; to be at ease with oneself.
自得其乐
To find happiness in one's own way; to be content with oneself.
Joy of Success
喜出望外
To be pleasantly surprised; to be overjoyed beyond expectations.
大喜过望
To be overjoyed; to be happier than expected.
欣喜若狂
To be wild with joy; to be ecstatic with happiness.
喜不自胜
To be overwhelmed with joy; unable to contain one's happiness.
欢欣鼓舞
To be elated and encouraged; to be inspired with joy.
扬眉得意
To be proud and pleased with one's success.
Harmonious Happiness
其乐融融
To be in perfect harmony; a scene of perfect happiness.
和颜悦色
To have a kind and pleasant expression; to be amiable.
和气生财
Harmony brings wealth; being amiable leads to prosperity.
乐融融
To be in a state of perfect harmony and happiness.
和乐融融
To live in harmony and happiness; a harmonious family atmosphere.
和睦相处
To live together in harmony; to get along well with others.
Daily Happiness
开怀大笑
To laugh heartily; to have a good laugh.
乐在其中
To find pleasure in what one is doing; to enjoy oneself.
乐此不疲
To enjoy something so much that one never tires of it.
心花怒放
To be blooming with happiness; to be overjoyed.
笑逐颜开
To break into a smile; to beam with joy.
乐不可支
To be beside oneself with joy; to be overwhelmed with happiness.