Definitions

(verb) to like; to enjoy; to be fond of
(adjective) happy; pleased; delighted
(noun) happiness; joy

Etymology

Depicts making a joyful noise with a drum () and one's mouth ().

About

The character "喜" originates from an etymological composition combining "壴", representing a drum, with "口", meaning mouth, thereby evoking the integrated sounds of music and voice in a celebratory context to symbolize joy. Its structure has preserved these components across time, maintaining the visual suggestion of festive noise and collective expression, while the meaning has consistently centered on happiness and delight, later extending to encompass concepts such as fondness for something or someone, as well as appearing in phrases denoting congratulations and propitious occasions. This continuity in form and adaptive semantic range reflects its enduring role in conveying positive affect and celebratory themes within the language.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Western Zhou (1045-771 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Spring and Autumn (~500 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

欢这本书。

Wǒ xǐhuān zhè běn shū.

I like this book.

剧电影很有趣。

Xǐjù diànyǐng hěn yǒuqù.

Comedy movies are very interesting.

他收到礼物很悦。

Tā shōu dào lǐwù hěn xǐyuè.

He was very joyful upon receiving the gift.

婚礼充满了庆。

Hūnlǐ chōngmǎn le xǐqìng.

The wedding was full of jubilation.

我妹妹很欢吃甜食。

Wǒ mèimei hěn xǐhuan chī tiánshí.

My younger sister really likes to eat sweets.

听到这个讯,大家都很高兴。

Tīng dào zhège xǐxùn, dàjiā dōu hěn gāoxìng.

Hearing this good news, everyone was very happy.

他掩饰不住脸上的欣表情。

Tā yǎnshì bú zhù liǎn shàng de xīnxǐ biǎoqíng.

He couldn't conceal the delighted expression on his face.

经历挫折后,成功才更令人欣

Jīnglì cuòzhé hòu, chénggōng cái gèng lìng rén xīnxǐ.

After experiencing setbacks, success is even more delightful.