B2 noun Neutral #7,500 most common 1 min read

喜怒哀乐

xǐ nù āi lè /xǐ nù āi lè/

Xi Nu Ai Le encompasses the full spectrum of human emotions, from happiness to sorrow.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Human emotions: joy, anger, sorrow, happiness.
  • Covers a wide range of feelings.
  • Used to describe emotional states.

Overview

“喜怒哀乐”是一个汉语成语,由“喜”、“怒”、“哀”、“乐”四个字组成,分别代表高兴、愤怒、悲伤和快乐四种基本情绪。它作为一个整体,用来泛指人的各种感情或情绪变化。这个成语强调了人类情感的多样性和复杂性,涵盖了从积极到消极的各种心理状态。

“喜怒哀乐”通常用作名词,可以单独使用,也可以作为句子的一部分。它常常出现在描述人物性格、人生经历、情感波动或文学作品的语境中。例如,可以用来形容一个人情绪稳定,不轻易显露“喜怒哀乐”,或者感叹人生的起伏不定,充满了“喜怒哀乐”。

这个成语在日常交流、文学创作、影视剧本、哲学讨论等场合都比较常见。在描述个人成长或人生感悟时,人们常常会引用“喜怒哀乐”来表达对生活体验的理解。例如,“人生百味,不过喜怒哀乐。” 也是一种常见的表达方式。

与“喜怒哀乐”意思相近的词语有“悲欢离合”、“七情六欲”、“悲喜交加”等。“悲欢离合”更侧重于人生际遇中的聚散和情感变化;“七情六欲”则更广泛,包括了人的基本情感和欲望;“悲喜交加”则强调了在同一时刻感受到悲伤和快乐两种情绪。“喜怒哀乐”是最为直接和概括性的表达,涵盖了最基本的情绪范畴。

Examples

1

他是一个性格内向的人,很少在脸上显露喜怒哀乐。

everyday

He is an introverted person who rarely shows his emotions on his face.

2

这部电影深刻地描绘了战争年代里人们的喜怒哀乐。

formal

This movie profoundly depicts the joys and sorrows of people during wartime.

3

生活嘛,总有喜怒哀乐,看开点就好。

informal

Life, you know, always has its ups and downs; just try to be optimistic.

4

理解人性的复杂性,需要体察其喜怒哀乐的根源。

academic

Understanding the complexity of human nature requires observing the roots of their emotions.

Common Collocations

人之常情 human nature; normal human feelings
七情六欲 seven emotions and six desires
悲欢离合 sorrows and joys, partings and reunions

Common Phrases

人之常情

human nature; normal human feelings

悲喜交加

a mixture of sorrow and joy

百感交集

a hundred feelings surging up

Often Confused With

喜怒哀乐 vs 悲欢离合

'喜怒哀乐' refers to basic emotions like joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. '悲欢离合' focuses more on life events such as separation, reunion, sadness, and joy, often related to relationships and circumstances.

喜怒哀乐 vs 七情六欲

'七情六欲' is a broader term encompassing all fundamental emotions ('七情': joy, anger, sorrow, fear, love, hate, desire) and basic desires ('六欲': sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, sex). '喜怒哀乐' is a more focused subset of these core emotions.

Grammar Patterns

喜怒哀乐 + 是 + 正常/人之常情 显露/表露/形于色 + 喜怒哀乐 人生/生活 + 充满/包含/不过 + 喜怒哀乐

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The idiom '喜怒哀乐' is commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is generally neutral in register but can lean towards formal when used in literary or philosophical contexts. It effectively encapsulates the broad spectrum of human emotional experience.


Common Mistakes

Learners might sometimes misuse '喜怒哀乐' to describe a single, simple emotion. Remember that it implies a range or combination of feelings. Also, avoid using it to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts that do not possess emotions.

Tips

💡

Understand the Four Core Emotions

Remember that '喜', '怒', '哀', '乐' represent joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness respectively. Together they cover the main emotional spectrum.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse in Simple Contexts

While versatile, try not to use '喜怒哀乐' for very simple or singular emotions. It implies a range or complexity.

🌍

Connection to Ancient Philosophy

The term originates from classical Chinese philosophy, reflecting ancient thinkers' contemplation of human nature and emotional balance.

Word Origin

The term originates from the ancient Chinese classic 'Book of Rites' (《礼记》), specifically the chapter 'Great Learning' (《大学》). It was used in a philosophical context to discuss the regulation of emotions.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, understanding and managing one's emotions ('喜怒哀乐') is often considered a sign of maturity and wisdom. The concept relates to the balance and harmony emphasized in traditional philosophies like Confucianism and Taoism.

Memory Tip

Imagine a person showing four distinct faces: one smiling (喜), one frowning angrily (怒), one crying sadly (哀), and one beaming with joy (乐). This visual covers all aspects of '喜怒哀乐'.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“喜怒哀乐”最早出自《礼记·大学》。原文是:“有所喜,怒,哀,乐,未发,谓之中;发而皆中节,谓之和。” 意思是说,人的喜、怒、哀、乐这些情绪在没有表现出来时,是中和的状态;表现出来并且符合节度,就是和谐的状态。

“喜怒哀乐”侧重于描述人的基本情绪状态,如高兴、愤怒、悲伤、快乐。而“悲欢离合”则更侧重于人生中的际遇和变化,如悲伤、欢乐、分离、团聚,通常与人生的经历和关系相关。

“喜怒哀乐”可以用在各种场合,无论是日常口语还是书面语。它常用于描述人物的情感、人生的体验,或者在文学艺术作品中表达丰富的情感内涵。

一般不直接用来形容动物,因为它主要是指人类复杂的情感体验。虽然动物也有情绪反应,但“喜怒哀乐”这个成语更侧重于人类的精神世界和心理活动。

Test Yourself

fill blank

人的一生难免会经历各种______,这是人性的正常体现。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 喜怒哀乐

句子描述的是人性的正常情感体验,涵盖高兴、愤怒、悲伤、快乐等,因此“喜怒哀乐”是最贴切的选项。

multiple choice

这位艺术家善于捕捉人物画中微妙的______,让观众感同身受。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 喜怒哀乐

艺术家捕捉的是人物的情感,而“喜怒哀乐”正是指人的各种情绪,符合语境。

sentence building

人生

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 不过

“人生不过喜怒哀乐”是一个常见的表达,意为人生就是由这些基本情绪构成的。

Score: /3

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