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A2 noun 11 min read

欣喜

xin xi

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 欣喜 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 欣喜 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually learn simple words for 'happy' like '高兴' (gāoxìng) or '开心' (kāixīn). '欣喜' is a bit more advanced, but you can think of it as a 'super happy' or 'very happy' word. Imagine you get a big present you really wanted. That feeling in your heart is '欣喜'. In simple sentences, we use it to show a lot of joy. For example, '我感到欣喜' means 'I feel joy'. Even though it's a formal word, learning it early helps you understand that Chinese has many ways to talk about feelings. Just remember: '高兴' is for everyday things, and '欣喜' is for very special things. You might see this word in children's books when a character finds something wonderful. It is a 'warm' word that makes people feel good when they hear it. Try to remember it as the 'formal happy'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to use more descriptive words. '欣喜' (xīnxǐ) is a great word to add to your vocabulary because it makes your Chinese sound more mature. It is usually a noun meaning 'joy' or 'delight'. You will often see it with the verb '感到' (gǎndào - to feel) or '充满' (chōngmǎn - to be full of). For example, '他内心充满欣喜' (His heart is full of joy). You use this word when you want to describe a deep feeling, not just a quick smile. It is common in stories or when someone is giving a polite speech. If you pass a hard exam, you don't just feel '高兴', you feel '欣喜'. It shows that you are proud and satisfied. When you use this word, people will think your Chinese is very good because you know the difference between casual and formal feelings.

At the B1 level, you should begin to distinguish between different shades of emotion. '欣喜' (xīnxǐ) is distinct from '愉快' (yúkuài - pleasant) or '兴奋' (xīngfèn - excited). '欣喜' is an internal, refined delight. It is frequently used in written Chinese and formal spoken contexts. You should learn common patterns like '欣喜若狂' (wild with joy) and '欣喜地发现' (joyfully discover). This word is often used to describe the reaction to good news or a successful outcome. For instance, in a business email, you might write '我们欣喜地得知贵公司...' (We are delighted to learn that your company...). It adds a touch of class and sincerity to your communication. At this level, you should also notice that '欣喜' often appears in the structure '欣喜之情' (feelings of joy), which is a very common way to describe emotions in literature.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '欣喜' (xīnxǐ) with precision in terms of register and collocation. You should understand that '欣喜' is often associated with aesthetic or intellectual satisfaction. For example, a scientist might feel '欣喜' at a discovery, or an artist might feel '欣喜' at completing a masterpiece. It carries a sense of 'meaningful happiness'. You should also be able to contrast it with '欣慰' (xīnwèi), which implies relief and gratification, often regarding someone else's progress. In B2 level writing, using '欣喜' helps to create a more literary and evocative atmosphere. You might describe a scene where '阳光洒在湖面上，令人心生欣喜' (The sunlight sprinkled on the lake, making one's heart feel joy). It is about capturing a specific, elevated emotional state that goes beyond simple cheerfulness.

At the C1 level, '欣喜' (xīnxǐ) should be a natural part of your high-level vocabulary. You should appreciate its etymological roots—the combination of '欣' (exultant) and '喜' (joyful)—and how it functions in classical-style modern prose. You will encounter '欣喜' in complex academic texts, political speeches, and high-brow literature. At this level, you can use it to discuss abstract concepts, such as the '欣喜' of self-discovery or the '欣喜' of cultural exchange. You should also be familiar with its use in various grammatical roles, such as an attributive (欣喜的神色) or an adverbial (欣喜地迎接). The nuance here is that '欣喜' often implies a sense of wonder or 'delight' that is almost spiritual or deeply philosophical. It is the joy of 'beholding' something great or achieving something of lasting value.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '欣喜' (xīnxǐ) and its place in the vast landscape of Chinese synonyms for happiness. You understand the subtle rhythmic and tonal differences between '欣喜', '喜悦', '欢欣', and '庆幸'. You can use '欣喜' to craft poetic and highly persuasive discourse. In your writing, '欣喜' might be used to create irony or to describe a profound, life-changing epiphany. You are also aware of how '欣喜' has been used historically in Chinese literature to describe the joy of the scholar or the sage. Whether you are analyzing a modern poem or writing a formal address, you use '欣喜' to evoke a specific, refined emotional response in your audience. It is not just a word for joy; it is a tool for expressing the highest forms of human satisfaction and appreciation for life's positive turns.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

欣喜 in 30 Seconds

欣喜 (xīnxǐ) is a formal Chinese word for 'joy' or 'delight', conveying a deeper and more refined emotion than casual words like '高兴'.
It is commonly used in literature, formal writing, and news to describe a profound sense of satisfaction or reaction to significant positive events.
Grammatically, it often appears as a noun (感到欣喜) or an adverb (欣喜地发现), and it is a key component of the idiom '欣喜若狂'.
Learners should use it to elevate their language in formal contexts, while being careful not to apply it to trivial daily activities.

The Chinese term 欣喜 (xīnxǐ) is a sophisticated and elegant word used to describe a profound sense of joy, delight, or great pleasure. While everyday words like 开心 (kāixīn) or 高兴 (gāoxìng) are suitable for general happiness, 欣喜 carries a more literary and internal weight. It often describes the emotional reaction to a significant positive event, a long-awaited success, or a beautiful realization. In the context of the Chinese language, it is frequently used in formal writing, literature, and news reporting to elevate the tone of the narrative. When you use 欣喜, you are not just saying you are 'happy'; you are expressing a deep, often quiet, and refined state of elation that resonates from within.

Core Nuance: Unlike the fleeting nature of 'happiness' found in a quick joke, 欣喜 suggests a more enduring and meaningful satisfaction. It is the joy of a parent seeing a child succeed, or a scientist discovering a breakthrough.
Formal Register: This word is a staple in formal correspondence. For example, '欣喜地得知' (to learn with great joy) is a common opening for congratulatory letters.
Emotional Depth: It often pairs with words describing the heart or eyes, emphasizing that the joy is visible in one's demeanor and felt in one's soul.

当我们最终达成协议时，每个人的脸上都露出了欣喜的表情。

Translation: When we finally reached an agreement, a look of joy appeared on everyone's faces.

To understand 欣喜, one must look at its components. The character 欣 (xīn) originally referred to the act of laughing or being happy, often associated with the relief of breath. The character 喜 (xǐ) is the classic symbol for happiness and celebration, often seen at weddings. When combined, they create a redundant emphasis on positive emotion that moves beyond simple cheer. It is often used as a noun representing the state of joy itself, though in modern Chinese, it can function as an adjective or adverb depending on the grammatical markers used (like '的' or '地').

听到这个好消息，他内心充满了欣喜。

Translation: Hearing this good news, his heart was filled with joy.

When writing in Chinese, choosing 欣喜 over its more common synonyms demonstrates a higher level of vocabulary and an appreciation for the poetic nature of the language. It is particularly effective in descriptive passages where you want to paint a picture of a character's internal world. For instance, describing a traveler returning home after many years, you would use 欣喜 to capture that specific, bittersweet, and overwhelming sense of belonging and happiness.

老友重逢，两人的心中都感到无比的欣喜。

Translation: Reunited with an old friend, both felt incomparable joy in their hearts.

In summary, 欣喜 is the word for 'joy' when 'happy' just isn't enough. It implies a sense of wonder, satisfaction, and deep emotional resonance. Whether you are reading a novel, watching a formal news broadcast, or writing a heartfelt letter, 欣喜 serves as a bridge to a more nuanced expression of the human experience.

他在山顶看到了壮丽的日出，不禁流露出欣喜之情。

Translation: Seeing the magnificent sunrise from the mountain top, he couldn't help but show feelings of delight.

科研小组欣喜地宣布了实验的成功。

Translation: The research team joyfully announced the success of the experiment.

Mastering the use of 欣喜 (xīnxǐ) involves understanding its typical grammatical environments. Because it is a more formal and evocative word, it rarely stands alone in casual conversation. Instead, it is usually embedded in specific structures that amplify its meaning. Below, we explore the most common patterns and how they function to convey deep emotion.

Pattern 1: 感到/充满 + 欣喜: This is the most common way to use '欣喜' as a noun. You 'feel' (感到) or are 'filled with' (充满) joy. This construction highlights the internal state of the subject.
Pattern 2: 欣喜 + 地 + Verb: When used as an adverb, it describes the manner in which an action is performed. Common verbs include '发现' (discover), '接受' (accept), and '告诉' (tell).
Pattern 3: 欣喜 + 之情/之色: These are semi-idiomatic expressions meaning 'feelings of joy' or 'the look of joy'. They are highly effective in descriptive writing to show rather than just tell.

看到孩子们快乐地玩耍，母亲的眼中流露出欣喜之色。

Translation: Seeing the children playing happily, a look of joy flowed from the mother's eyes.

In professional settings, 欣喜 is often used to express corporate or institutional satisfaction. It sounds much more professional than saying 'we are happy'. It implies that the success is meaningful for the organization as a whole. For example, a company might say they are '欣喜' to announce a new partnership.

我们欣喜地看到，今年的销售额增长了百分之二十。

Translation: We are delighted to see that this year's sales have increased by twenty percent.

Another important usage is in the four-character idiom (Chengyu) 欣喜若狂 (xīnxǐ ruò kuáng), which literally means 'so joyful as if going crazy'. This is used to describe wild, unrestrained elation. While 欣喜 alone is usually calm and refined, this idiom pushes the emotion to its extreme limit.

得知自己中了头奖，他激动得欣喜若狂。

Translation: Learning that he won the jackpot, he was so excited he was wild with joy.

When describing nature or art, 欣喜 is used to describe the uplifting feeling one gets from beauty. It is an intellectual and aesthetic joy. A poet might feel 欣喜 at the first bloom of spring or the perfect rhyme.

画家看着自己完成的作品，内心充满了成就感和欣喜。

Translation: The painter looked at his completed work, his heart filled with a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Finally, remember that 欣喜 is rarely used for physical pleasures like eating good food or sitting in a comfortable chair. It is reserved for mental, spiritual, and emotional breakthroughs. Using it correctly will make your Chinese sound more thoughtful and educated.

看到家乡的变化，他感到由衷的欣喜。

Translation: Seeing the changes in his hometown, he felt a sincere sense of joy.

In the real world, you are more likely to 'read' 欣喜 (xīnxǐ) than to hear it in a casual street-side conversation. However, there are several specific contexts where this word is the standard choice. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word in the wild and use it appropriately in similar situations.

Documentaries and Voiceovers: In nature or history documentaries, narrators use '欣喜' to describe the 'joy' of a species surviving or a historian finding a lost artifact. It adds a layer of reverence and importance to the discovery.
News and Official Announcements: When a government or a large organization reports positive progress—such as successful poverty alleviation or the completion of a national project—the word '欣喜' is used to convey a sense of collective pride and satisfaction.
Literature and Poetry: Modern and classical literature both utilize '欣喜' to delve into the inner psychological states of characters. It is the go-to word for describing a character's quiet, internal triumph.

新闻播报员说：“我们欣喜地看到，大熊猫的数量正在稳步回升。”

Translation: The news anchor said: "We are delighted to see that the giant panda population is steadily recovering."

In formal social gatherings, such as wedding banquets or award ceremonies, speakers will often use 欣喜 in their speeches. It conveys a level of sincerity and respect for the audience and the occasion. For instance, a groom might say he is 欣喜 to see so many friends and family members gathered together.

在颁奖典礼上，获奖者表达了她内心难以言表的欣喜。

Translation: At the awards ceremony, the winner expressed her indescribable internal joy.

In Chinese cinema, especially in period dramas or high-stakes emotional films, characters use 欣喜 to express deep relief and happiness. It’s the word used when a long-lost relative is found or when a difficult battle is finally won. It marks a turning point in the emotional narrative of the story.

电影中，当士兵回到家时，全家人都沉浸在欣喜之中。

Translation: In the movie, when the soldier returned home, the whole family was immersed in joy.

Lastly, in educational settings, teachers might use 欣喜 to describe their feelings about a student's progress. It conveys a sense of professional pride and personal investment in the student's success, making the praise feel more significant and encouraging.

老师对班级成绩的提高感到非常欣喜。

Translation: The teacher felt very joyful about the improvement in the class's grades.

While 欣喜 (xīnxǐ) is a beautiful word, it is easy for learners to misuse it by applying it to the wrong context or register. Because Chinese has many words for 'happy', choosing the right one is crucial for sounding natural. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when using 欣喜.

Mistake 1: Using it for Trivial Matters: Don't use '欣喜' for small, everyday pleasures. For example, saying '我欣喜地吃了一个苹果' (I joyfully ate an apple) sounds strange and overly dramatic. Use '开心' or '愉快' for these situations.
Mistake 2: Confusing it with '欣慰' (xīnwèi): '欣慰' means 'gratified' or 'relieved and happy'. It is used when something you hoped for finally happens, often involving someone else's success. '欣喜' is more about the pure emotion of joy itself.
Mistake 3: Over-reliance on '的': While '欣喜的' is correct as an adjective, '欣喜' is often used as a noun in phrases like '满怀欣喜'. Using '的' too much can make your sentences feel repetitive and clunky.

他欣喜地去超市买菜。 (Incorrect Register)
他高兴地去超市买菜。 (Correct)

Correction: Buying groceries is too mundane for '欣喜'.

Another common error is failing to pair 欣喜 with the appropriate verbs. It is an internal state, so it works best with verbs of feeling or perception. Beginners often try to use it like 'very' (e.g., '我很欣喜'), which is grammatically possible but less natural than '感到十分欣喜'.

这个礼物让他很欣喜。 (Weak Usage)
收到这个礼物，他感到由衷的欣喜。 (Strong Usage)

Correction: Adding '感到由衷的' makes the sentence more elegant.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 欣喜 with 惊喜 (jīngxǐ). 惊喜 specifically means 'pleasant surprise'. While you can feel 欣喜 after a surprise, 欣喜 itself does not imply that the event was unexpected. You can feel 欣喜 about something you have worked toward for years.

他的突然出现给了我一个巨大的惊喜。

Note: Here '惊喜' is required because of the element of surprise.

In summary, avoid using 欣喜 in casual speech, don't use it for small things, and be careful not to confuse it with its 'close cousins' in the happiness family. Aim for elegance and depth when you deploy this word.

看着他的进步，我感到非常欣慰。

Note: Use '欣慰' when you feel a sense of relief and pride in someone else's growth.

The Chinese language is rich with terms for happiness, each with its own unique flavor. To truly master 欣喜 (xīnxǐ), you must see how it compares to its synonyms and when to choose one over the other. This section provides a detailed comparison to help you navigate the 'happiness' spectrum in Chinese.

欣喜 vs. 喜悦 (xǐyuè): These are very close. '喜悦' is often used as a noun to describe a state of mind or a feeling of bliss (e.g., 喜悦的心情). '欣喜' is slightly more active and is often the immediate reaction to a specific event.
欣喜 vs. 愉快 (yúkuài): '愉快' is closer to 'pleasant' or 'cheerful'. It is used for moods and experiences, like a '愉快' weekend. It lacks the profound depth of '欣喜'.
欣喜 vs. 兴奋 (xīngfèn): '兴奋' means 'excited'. While '欣喜' can be exciting, '兴奋' focuses on the physiological arousal—racing heart, high energy. '欣喜' can be very calm and quiet.

假期的生活非常愉快。

Translation: Life during the holidays was very pleasant.

When you want to describe a collective joy, you might use 欢乐 (huānlè) or 欢快 (huānkuài). These words suggest a lively, audible happiness, like the atmosphere at a festival. 欣喜, by contrast, is often more individual and internal. You can feel 欣喜 in a quiet room while reading a letter, but 欢乐 usually requires a crowd.

节日里，大街上到处是欢乐的人群。

Translation: During the festival, there were happy crowds everywhere on the streets.

For more literary contexts, you might encounter 雀跃 (quèyuè), which literally means 'to jump like a sparrow'. This describes a visible, physical manifestation of joy. While a child might be 欢欣雀跃, an adult is more likely to feel 欣喜. The former is external and active; the latter is internal and reflective.

听到要去游乐场，孩子们欢欣雀跃。

Translation: Hearing they were going to the amusement park, the children jumped for joy.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to paint more precise emotional pictures in your writing and speech. 欣喜 remains the most versatile choice for a 'refined' joy that is both deep and meaningful. By comparing it with its alternatives, you can see how it occupies a unique space in the Chinese emotional vocabulary.

那首优美的乐曲给人带来了无限的喜悦。

Translation: That beautiful piece of music brought infinite joy to people.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '喜' is often doubled (囍) and used as a decoration at Chinese weddings to represent 'double happiness'. While '欣喜' is formal, its component '喜' is the heart of Chinese celebratory culture.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃɪn ʃiː/

US /ʃɪn ʃiː/

In Mandarin, both syllables are equally stressed, but the focus is on the rising pitch of the second syllable.

Rhymes With

心底 (xīndǐ) 亲戚 (qīnqi) 近期 (jìnqī) 珍惜 (zhēnxī) 信息 (xìnxī) 清晰 (qīngxī) 惊喜 (jīngxǐ) 信心 (xìnxīn)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'x' as 'ks' or 'z'.
Using the wrong tones (should be 1st and 3rd tones: xīn xǐ).
Mixing up 'x' and 'sh' sounds.
Failing to aspirate or properly shape the mouth for the 'i' sound.
Shortening the vowels too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in written texts, recognizable by its components.

Writing 4/5

Requires understanding of register and proper collocations.

Speaking 4/5

Rare in casual speech, sounds very formal if used incorrectly.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in news and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

高兴开心感到发现消息

Learn Next

喜悦欣慰兴奋庆幸感慨

Advanced

欢欣鼓舞心旷神怡乐不可支喜形于色眉飞色舞

Grammar to Know

Using '地' for adverbs

他欣喜地跑回家。

Using '的' for adjectives

欣喜的神情。

Verb-Object constructions

感到欣喜、充满欣喜。

Prepositional phrases with '为'

我为你的成功感到欣喜。

Degree adverbs with adjectives

十分欣喜、无比欣喜。

Examples by Level

我感到很欣喜。

I feel very joyful.

Simple subject + verb + adjective structure.

他欣喜地笑了。

He smiled joyfully.

Using '地' to turn '欣喜' into an adverb.

这是一个欣喜的日子。

This is a joyful day.

Using '的' to turn '欣喜' into an adjective.

我们都很欣喜。

We are all very joyful.

Plural subject with a simple predicate.

她心中充满欣喜。

Her heart is full of joy.

Using '充满' (full of) with '欣喜'.

看到你，我真欣喜。

Seeing you, I am truly joyful.

Expressing an emotional reaction to an event.

大家感到无比欣喜。

Everyone felt incomparable joy.

'无比' (incomparable) adds emphasis.

欣喜地迎接新年。

Joyfully welcome the New Year.

Adverbial usage in a phrase.

听到这个好消息，他感到十分欣喜。

Hearing this good news, he felt very joyful.

Standard '感到' structure for emotions.

他的眼中闪烁着欣喜的光芒。

His eyes sparkled with the light of joy.

Metaphorical use of '欣喜' as a modifier.

妈妈欣喜地看着孩子的进步。

The mother joyfully watched the child's progress.

Adverbial use describing a mother's perspective.

这份礼物让他感到意外的欣喜。

This gift brought him unexpected joy.

'意外的' (unexpected) modifying the noun.

我们欣喜地发现春天来了。

We joyfully discovered that spring has arrived.

'发现' (discover) is a common verb for '欣喜地'.

全家人都为他的成功感到欣喜。

The whole family felt joyful about his success.

'为...感到' (feel... for...) structure.

这封信带给我无限的欣喜。

This letter brought me infinite joy.

'带给' (bring to) with '欣喜'.

他带着欣喜的神情走进了教室。

He walked into the classroom with a joyful expression.

'带着...的神情' (with a ... expression).

得知项目圆满成功，团队成员无不感到欣喜。

Upon learning the project was a complete success, every team member felt joy.

Double negative '无不' for emphasis.

他在异国他乡偶遇故知，内心感到莫大的欣喜。

Meeting an old friend in a foreign land, he felt immense joy.

'莫大的' (immense) is a formal modifier.

看着荒漠变成绿洲，林业工人们感到由衷的欣喜。

Watching the desert turn into an oasis, the forestry workers felt sincere joy.

'由衷的' (sincere/from the heart) adds depth.

那场精彩的演出让观众们沉浸在欣喜之中。

That wonderful performance left the audience immersed in joy.

'沉浸在...之中' (immersed in).

我们欣喜地看到，社会各界都在关注环保事业。

We are delighted to see that all sectors of society are paying attention to environmental protection.

Formal '欣喜地看到' for societal observations.

经过多年的努力，他终于获得了期待已久的欣喜。

After years of effort, he finally obtained the long-awaited joy.

'期待已久' (long-awaited) as a modifier.

她的文字中透出一股淡淡的欣喜，让人读来十分舒服。

A faint joy emanates from her writing, making it very comfortable to read.

'透出' (emanate/reveal) used metaphorically.

这种欣喜之情是金钱无法买到的。

This kind of joyful feeling is something money cannot buy.

'欣喜之情' (feeling of joy) is a set phrase.

科学家们为这一重大的天文发现感到无比欣喜。

Scientists were incomparably joyful over this major astronomical discovery.

Formal use in scientific context.

他那充满欣喜的语气感染了在场的每一个人。

His joyful tone infected everyone present.

'感染' (infect/influence) used for emotions.

在这春意盎然的季节里，万物复苏，令人心生欣喜。

In this season full of spring, everything is coming back to life, making one feel joyful.

Poetic and descriptive language.

尽管路途艰辛，但看到终点的那一刻，他内心充满了欣喜。

Despite the arduous journey, the moment he saw the finish line, his heart was filled with joy.

Contrastive structure using '尽管...但...'.

我们欣喜地注意到，传统文化正在年轻人中重新流行。

We are delighted to note that traditional culture is becoming popular again among young people.

'欣喜地注意到' (delightedly noticed).

这种久违的欣喜让他仿佛回到了童年时代。

This long-lost joy made him feel as if he had returned to his childhood.

'久违的' (long-lost/not seen for a long time).

他的成功不仅是个人的荣耀，也给家人带来了巨大的欣喜。

His success is not just a personal glory, but also brought great joy to his family.

'不仅...也...' structure.

当他终于解开那道难题时，脸上露出了欣喜若狂的表情。

When he finally solved that difficult problem, a look of wild joy appeared on his face.

Using the idiom '欣喜若狂'.

这种欣喜并非源于物质的满足，而是来自于精神的升华。

This joy does not stem from material satisfaction, but from spiritual sublimation.

Philosophical contrast '并非...而是...'.

诗人以细腻的笔触，描绘了内心深处那份难以言说的欣喜。

With delicate brushstrokes, the poet depicted that indescribable joy deep within.

Literary description of artistic expression.

看到古老的文明在现代焕发出新的生机，我感到由衷的欣喜。

Seeing an ancient civilization radiate new life in modern times, I feel sincere joy.

Abstract and high-level social observation.

他在繁杂的实验数据中捕捉到了那一丝令人欣喜的突破。

Amidst the complex experimental data, he captured that shred of delightful breakthrough.

'令人欣喜' (causing one to feel joyful) used as a modifier.

这种欣喜交织着对未来的憧憬，让他充满了前进的动力。

This joy, interwoven with visions for the future, filled him with the motivation to move forward.

'交织' (interwoven) for complex emotions.

对于一个长期处于黑暗中的人来说，哪怕是一丝微光也能带来巨大的欣喜。

For someone who has been in the dark for a long time, even a glimmer of light can bring immense joy.

Conditional '对于...来说' with '哪怕...也...'.

他在书法创作中体会到了那种物我两忘、满怀欣喜的境界。

In his calligraphy creation, he experienced that state of forgetting himself and the world, full of joy.

Describing a state of 'flow' or spiritual attainment.

这项技术的突破，无疑为整个行业带来了令人欣喜的前景。

The breakthrough in this technology undoubtedly brought promising (delightful) prospects to the entire industry.

Professional and industry-specific usage.

在这篇散文中，作者将那份恬淡而深沉的欣喜表现得淋漓尽致。

In this essay, the author expressed that indifferent yet profound joy to the fullest extent.

Using '淋漓尽致' (thoroughly) to describe expression.

这种欣喜是经过苦难洗礼后的宁静，是生命最本真的回响。

This joy is the tranquility after the baptism of suffering; it is the most authentic echo of life.

Highly metaphorical and philosophical definition.

当他终于在浩如烟海的古籍中寻得那条关键线索时，内心的欣喜是无法用言语形容的。

When he finally found that key clue in the vast ocean of ancient books, the joy in his heart was beyond words.

Complex sentence with literary idioms like '浩如烟海'.

这种欣喜之感，犹如春雨润物，悄无声息却又充满生机。

This sense of joy is like spring rain moisturizing things, silent yet full of vitality.

Simile comparing emotion to nature.

面对如此壮丽的自然奇观，人类除了敬畏，更多的是一种莫名的欣喜。

Facing such a magnificent natural wonder, humans feel more than just awe; it's a kind of inexplicable joy.

'除了...更多的是...' structure.

他在晚年的回忆录中，多次提到了那段充满欣喜与挑战的岁月。

In his memoirs of his later years, he repeatedly mentioned that period of years full of joy and challenges.

Describing a life period with contrasting adjectives.

这种欣喜并非一时的情绪冲动，而是对生命价值的深刻认同。

This joy is not a momentary emotional impulse, but a profound identification with the value of life.

Abstract definition using '并非...而是...'.

随着真相的大白，他内心积压已久的阴霾终于被欣喜所取代。

As the truth came to light, the haze that had been building in his heart for a long time was finally replaced by joy.

Passive structure '被...所取代' (replaced by).

Common Collocations

感到欣喜

充满欣喜

欣喜之情

欣喜地发现

欣喜地看到

莫大的欣喜

由衷的欣喜

无比欣喜

欣喜之色

流露欣喜

Common Phrases

满怀欣喜

— To be full of joy; with a heart full of joy.

他满怀欣喜地迎接挑战。

欣喜交集

— A mixture of joy and other emotions (usually complicated feelings).

重逢时，他内心欣喜交集。

暗自欣喜

— To be secretly happy or quietly delighted.

听到夸奖，他暗自欣喜。

令人欣喜

— Causing joy; delightful; encouraging.

这是一个令人欣喜的变化。

格外欣喜

— Especially joyful; more happy than usual.

今天他显得格外欣喜。

由衷欣喜

— Sincere joy from the bottom of one's heart.

我为你感到由衷欣喜。

欣喜万分

— Extremely joyful; ten thousand times happy.

得知喜讯，全家欣喜万分。

难掩欣喜

— Difficult to hide one's joy.

他难掩欣喜地笑了起来。

倍感欣喜

— To feel even more joyful (usually because of a specific context).

看到你的进步，我倍感欣喜。

欣喜不已

— To be endlessly joyful; cannot stop being happy.

这个好消息让他欣喜不已。

Often Confused With

欣喜 vs 欣慰

欣慰 implies relief and gratification, often about someone else's success, while 欣喜 is pure joy.

欣喜 vs 惊喜

惊喜 requires an element of surprise, whereas 欣喜 can be for something expected.

欣喜 vs 兴奋

兴奋 is high-energy excitement, while 欣喜 can be a quiet, deep satisfaction.

Idioms & Expressions

"欣喜若狂"

— To be wild with joy; to be so happy as to go crazy.

听到这个消息，他欣喜若狂。

Common/Literary

"欢欣鼓舞"

— Elated and inspired; heartened.

胜利的消息让全国人民欢欣鼓舞。

Formal/Political

"欢天喜地"

— With great joy; very happy (often describing a scene).

孩子们欢天喜地地过年。

Common

"喜出望外"

— To be overjoyed at an unexpected result.

这份意外的奖金让他喜出望外。

Common

"满心欢喜"

— Heart full of joy; very pleased.

她满心欢喜地穿上了新衣服。

Common

"眉开眼笑"

— Beaming with joy; all smiles.

老爷爷眉开眼笑地讲着故事。

Informal/Descriptive

"喜笑颜开"

— Face lighting up with joy.

看到成绩单，他喜笑颜开。

Common

"心花怒放"

— To burst with joy; to be highly elated (metaphorical).

听到他的表白，她心花怒放。

Literary/Common

"皆大欢喜"

— To everyone's great satisfaction; all are happy.

这个结局皆大欢喜。

Common

"大喜过望"

— To be pleased beyond expectation.

结果比预想的好，让他大喜过望。

Literary

Easily Confused

欣喜 vs 喜悦

Both mean joy and are formal.

喜悦 is often a noun for a state of mind; 欣喜 is more often a reaction to an event.

充满喜悦 vs 感到欣喜

欣喜 vs 欢乐

Both mean happy.

欢乐 is communal and loud; 欣喜 is individual and internal.

欢乐的节日 vs 内心的欣喜

欣喜 vs 愉快

Both relate to positive feelings.

愉快 is 'pleasant' and used for moods/trips; 欣喜 is 'delighted' and used for achievements.

旅途愉快 vs 欣喜的突破

欣喜 vs 高兴

Basic meaning is the same.

高兴 is casual; 欣喜 is formal and literary.

我很高兴 vs 我感到欣喜

欣喜 vs 庆幸

Both involve feeling good about an outcome.

庆幸 is 'feeling lucky something bad didn't happen'; 欣喜 is 'feeling joy because something good did happen'.

庆幸没下雨 vs 欣喜看到日出

Sentence Patterns

我感到很欣喜。

听到你来的消息，我感到很欣喜。

他欣喜地[Verb]。

他欣喜地接受了礼物。

内心充满欣喜。

看到家乡的变化，他内心充满欣喜。

令人欣喜的[Noun]。

这是一个令人欣喜的结果。

为...感到无比欣喜。

我们为国家的繁荣感到无比欣喜。

欣喜之情溢于言表。

他的欣喜之情溢于言表。

欣喜地注意到/看到...

专家们欣喜地注意到，环境正在改善。

这种欣喜并非...而是...

这种欣喜并非源于名利，而是源于奉献。

Word Family

Nouns

喜悦 (xǐyuè) - Bliss/Joy

欣慰 (xīnwèi) - Gratification

Verbs

欣赏 (xīnshǎng) - To appreciate

喜欢 (xǐhuan) - To like

Adjectives

欣然 (xīnrán) - Joyful/Readily

喜庆 (xǐqìng) - Festive

欣 (xīn) - Happy

喜 (xǐ) - Joy

欢 (huān) - Happy

乐 (lè) - Happy

悦 (yuè) - Pleased

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written and formal spoken Chinese; rare in casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using '欣喜' for eating a snack. → 使用 '高兴' 或 '开心'。
'欣喜' is too formal and deep for minor physical pleasures.
Saying '我很欣喜' instead of '我感到欣喜'。 → 我感到十分欣喜。
While '很欣喜' is possible, '感到...欣喜' is much more idiomatic in formal Chinese.
Confusing '欣喜' with '惊喜' for a surprise party. → 惊喜。
'欣喜' doesn't necessarily include surprise; '惊喜' is specifically for pleasant surprises.
Using '欣喜' when you mean 'relieved' (欣慰). → 欣慰。
Use '欣慰' if you feel good because something you worried about turned out well.
Using '欣喜' in very casual text messages. → 开心 / 乐死我了。
It sounds overly dramatic and robotic in a casual chat with friends.

Tips

Level Up Your Writing

Replace '高兴' with '欣喜' in your essays to immediately sound more advanced and literary.

Save it for Speeches

Don't use '欣喜' when chatting with friends at a bar; it will sound too stiff. Save it for weddings or awards.

Verb Pairing

Always remember the '感到' + '欣喜' pattern. It's the most natural way to express the feeling.

Learn the Idiom

Master '欣喜若狂'. It's one of the most useful idioms for describing extreme happiness.

Understand the 'Xi'

Recognize that '喜' is the root of most happy words in Chinese. This will help you learn related words faster.

Context Clues

When you see '欣喜' in a news report, look for words like '成功' or '突破' nearby.

The 'Breath' Connection

Remember that '欣' relates to breathing. Joy is like a breath of fresh air for the soul.

Tone Accuracy

Practice the 1st and 3rd tones. If you get the tones wrong, it might sound like 'new wash' (xīn xǐ) which makes no sense.

Poetic Touch

Use '欣喜之情' to describe emotions in a more evocative, 'showing rather than telling' way.

Don't Confuse with 'Relief'

If you are happy because a problem went away, use '欣慰' or '松了一口气' instead of '欣喜'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'XIN' as 'NEW' (like 'Xīn' in Xīn Nián - New Year) and 'XI' as 'HAPPINESS'. You feel '欣喜' when something 'NEW' and 'HAPPY' happens in your life.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing on a mountain peak, breathing in fresh air (欣) and smiling at a beautiful view (喜).

Word Web

Happy Formal Internal Discovery Success Heart Eyes Literary

Challenge

Try to use '欣喜' in a sentence today instead of '高兴' when you talk about something you achieved. Notice how it changes the tone of your sentence.

Word Origin

The term '欣喜' dates back to ancient Chinese texts. The character '欣' (xīn) originally depicted a person breathing out with a sense of relief and happiness, while '喜' (xǐ) consists of 'drum' and 'mouth', representing a celebration with music and laughter.

Original meaning: To be happy and exultant; to celebrate with joy.

Sino-Tibetan / Sinitic

Cultural Context

This is a very positive word with no negative connotations. Use it freely in formal and respectful contexts.

In English, we might use 'delighted' or 'overjoyed' in similar formal or profound contexts.

Commonly found in the works of Lu Xun to describe subtle emotional shifts. Used in official CCTV news broadcasts for national achievements. A frequent term in the lyrics of traditional and elegant Chinese folk songs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Receiving good news

感到欣喜
欣喜万分
难掩欣喜
欣喜地得知

Professional achievements

欣喜地看到
令人欣喜的成果
充满欣喜
由衷欣喜

Observing nature

心生欣喜
充满欣喜
令人欣喜的景色
欣喜地发现

Social gatherings

欣喜之情
倍感欣喜
欣喜地迎接
流露欣喜

Literature and Art

笔墨间的欣喜
深沉的欣喜
欣喜之色
捕捉欣喜

Conversation Starters

"听到那个好消息，你是不是感到很欣喜？"

"你最近有什么令人欣喜的发现吗？"

"当你的努力得到认可时，你内心会有怎样的欣喜？"

"在你的家乡，有什么变化让你感到最欣喜？"

"你觉得什么样的礼物最能带给人欣喜？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次让你感到由衷欣喜的经历，并解释为什么这件事对你很重要。

写一封信给未来的自己，分享你现在生活中最令人欣喜的点滴。

比较一下‘欣喜’和‘高兴’在你生活中的不同体现。

如果你能给别人带来一份欣喜，你会选择做什么？

描述一个你欣喜地发现自己学会了新技能的时刻。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but only in very formal situations. For example, in a formal speech, you might say '我感到十分欣喜能在这里见到大家'. In a casual setting, just use '很高兴见到你'.

It can be both. As a noun: '感到欣喜' (feel joy). As an adjective: '欣喜的神情' (joyful expression). It can also be an adverb with '地': '欣喜地告诉他' (joyfully tell him).

'开心' is very casual and used for daily happiness (eating, playing). '欣喜' is formal and used for meaningful joy (success, discovery).

Yes, it is a very common idiom used when someone is extremely happy, like winning the lottery or getting into a top university.

Absolutely. It is very professional. Using '我们欣喜地得知...' is a great way to start a congratulatory business letter.

Not necessarily. While you can be '欣喜' about a surprise, the word focus is on the joy itself, not the shock. For a surprise, '惊喜' is better.

Yes, in literature or documentaries, you might describe an animal being '欣喜' to find food or its mother.

Common antonyms include '忧愁' (worry/sadness), '悲痛' (grief), and '沮丧' (dejection).

欣 (xīn) has 8 strokes: 撇、横、竖、撇、点、撇、横撇/横钩、撇、捺. 喜 (xǐ) has 12 strokes: 横、竖、竖、横、竖、横折、横、点、撇、横、竖、横折、横.

Yes, it appears in classical texts, though its usage has evolved into the modern formal Mandarin we see today.