When you're feeling down or displeased, the Chinese word to use is 不高兴 (bù gāoxìng). It literally translates to 'not happy'.
It's an adjective, so you can use it to describe a person's emotional state, for example, '他今天不高兴' (Tā jīntiān bù gāoxìng - He is unhappy today). You can also use it to describe a situation that makes you unhappy.
Consider the difference between 不高兴 and 难过 (nánguò). While both express sadness, 不高兴 is a more general feeling of unhappiness or displeasure, whereas 难过 often implies a deeper, more profound sadness, like being heartbroken or grieving.
For instance, if your plans get canceled, you might feel 不高兴. But if you lose a loved one, you would feel 难过. So, remember to choose the right word to accurately express your feelings!
Fun Fact
This word is a straightforward negation of 'happy', making it easy to remember.
Difficulty Rating
Short and common characters.
Relatively few strokes and common radicals.
Clear pronunciation with common tones.
Easy to distinguish in conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
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Grammar to Know
Can be used as a predicate directly after a subject, similar to adjectives in English. It describes the emotional state of the subject.
我 不高兴. (Wǒ bù gāoxìng.) - I am unhappy.
Can be modified by adverbs of degree like 很 (hěn - very), 有点儿 (yǒudiǎnr - a little bit), or 特别 (tèbié - especially) to express different intensities of unhappiness.
他 有点儿 不高兴. (Tā yǒudiǎnr bù gāoxìng.) - He is a little unhappy.
Can be used with 因为 (yīnwèi - because) to explain the reason for being unhappy.
她 不高兴 因为 下雨了. (Tā bù gāoxìng yīnwèi xià yǔ le.) - She is unhappy because it rained.
Can be used as an attribute before a noun, typically with 的 (de), to describe something or someone that is unhappy or causes unhappiness.
那是一个 不高兴 的 消息. (Nà shì yí gè bù gāoxìng de xiāoxi.) - That is an unhappy (or unpleasant) piece of news.
Can be used in a sentence with 让 (ràng - to make/let) to indicate that something or someone causes another person to be unhappy.
这件事 让 我 很 不高兴. (Zhè jiàn shì ràng wǒ hěn bù gāoxìng.) - This matter makes me very unhappy.
Examples by Level
他今天不高兴。
He is unhappy today.
Simple statement of emotion.
你为什么不高兴？
Why are you unhappy?
Interrogative particle '为什么' for asking reasons.
她看起来有点不高兴。
She looks a little unhappy.
'看起来' means 'looks like'; '有点' means 'a little bit'.
我妈妈不高兴我晚回家。
My mother is displeased with me coming home late.
Indicates the reason for displeasure after '不高兴'.
老师不高兴学生不听话。
The teacher is displeased that students don't listen.
Explains the cause of displeasure.
不要不高兴，事情会好起来的。
Don't be unhappy, things will get better.
'不要' for negation in commands; '好起来' means 'get better'.
他因为考试没考好而不高兴。
He is unhappy because he didn't do well on the exam.
'因为...而...' structure for cause and effect.
你让他不高兴了。
You made him unhappy.
Indicates causing someone to be unhappy.
他今天看起来很不高兴，是不是遇到什么麻烦了？
He looks very unhappy today, did he run into some trouble?
因为下雨，我们取消了野餐，孩子们都感到不高兴。
Because of the rain, we cancelled the picnic, and the children all felt unhappy.
她不喜欢别人迟到，所以你迟到她会很不高兴。
She doesn't like people being late, so she will be very displeased if you are late.
老板对他的工作表现不高兴，要求他改进。
The boss was unhappy with his work performance and asked him to improve.
听了那个坏消息，他变得非常不高兴。
After hearing the bad news, he became very unhappy.
如果你不高兴，可以告诉我发生了什么事。
If you are unhappy, you can tell me what happened.
她因为考试没考好而感到不高兴。
She felt unhappy because she didn't do well on the exam.
别因为一点小事就不高兴，放松点。
Don't be unhappy over a small matter, relax a little.
老板今天看起来不高兴，我们最好小心一点。
The boss seems unhappy today, we'd better be careful.
A common way to describe someone's emotional state, '看起来' means 'to seem/look'.
她因为考试没考好而不高兴，需要一些安慰。
She's unhappy because she didn't do well on the exam; she needs some comforting.
'因为...而不高兴' shows the reason for being unhappy.
我看到他一个人坐在角落里，显得很是不高兴。
I saw him sitting alone in the corner, looking quite displeased.
'显得' means 'to appear/look', emphasizing the outward appearance of unhappiness.
如果你对这个决定不高兴，你应该直接说出来。
If you're unhappy with this decision, you should say it directly.
'对...不高兴' indicates unhappiness towards something or someone.
小孩子得不到想要的玩具就会不高兴，甚至会哭闹。
Little children will be unhappy if they don't get the toy they want, and might even cry and make a fuss.
'就会' indicates a conditional outcome, 'will then'.
每次加班他都不高兴，觉得工作和生活失去了平衡。
Every time he works overtime, he's unhappy, feeling that his work and life are out of balance.
'每次...都...' is a common structure to express something happening every time.
她很明显不高兴我迟到了，所以我们之间的气氛有些尴尬。
She was clearly unhappy that I was late, so the atmosphere between us was a bit awkward.
'很明显' means 'clearly/obviously', emphasizing the visible sign of her unhappiness.
别因为一点小事就不高兴，这样对身体不好。
Don't be unhappy over a small matter; it's not good for your health.
'别因为...就不高兴' is a common way to advise someone not to be unhappy for a particular reason.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
他今天有点不高兴。
He is a bit unhappy today.
你为什么不高兴？
Why are you unhappy?
她看起来很不高兴。
She looks very unhappy.
别让这件事让你不高兴。
Don't let this matter make you unhappy.
我感到有点不高兴。
I feel a bit unhappy.
他很不高兴地离开了。
He left unhappily.
孩子们不高兴了。
The children became unhappy.
谁让你不高兴了？
Who made you unhappy?
她不高兴的时候不喜欢说话。
She doesn't like to talk when she is unhappy.
他因为这件事变得不高兴。
He became unhappy because of this matter.
Often Confused With
This is the direct opposite. 开心 means 'happy' or 'joyful'.
This is the positive form. 高兴 means 'happy' or 'pleased'. Adding 不 (bù) negates it to 'unhappy' or 'displeased'.
While related to willingness and pleasure, it's not a direct opposite. 乐意 means 'to be willing to' or 'to be happy to'.
Easily Confused
Often used interchangeably with '不高兴' by learners, but there's a subtle difference in nuance.
While both mean 'unhappy', 不开心 (bù kāi xīn) suggests a feeling of not being cheerful or in a good mood, often more internal and less outwardly expressed than 不高兴.
他今天看起来不开心，是不是发生什么事了？ (Tā jīn tiān kàn qǐ lái bù kāi xīn, shì bú shì fā shēng shén me shì le? - He looks unhappy today, did something happen?)
Both relate to negative emotions, but '伤心' is a stronger, more specific emotion.
不高兴 is a general state of being unhappy or displeased. 伤心 means 'sad' or 'heartbroken', indicating a deeper and more profound emotional pain.
她因为考试没通过而伤心了。 (Tā yīn wèi kǎo shì méi tōng guò ér shāng xīn le. - She was sad because she didn't pass the exam.)
Both are negative reactions, but '生气' is about anger.
不高兴 means unhappy or displeased. 生气 means 'to be angry' or 'to get angry', which is a more active and often outwardly expressed emotion of displeasure.
他因为我的迟到而生气了。 (Tā yīn wèi wǒ de chí dào ér shēng qì le. - He got angry because I was late.)
Can both describe a state of emotional discomfort, but '郁闷' has a specific feeling of being stifled or depressed.
不高兴 is a general unhappiness. 郁闷 describes a feeling of being gloomy, depressed, or stifled, often without a clear reason, or feeling down due to a frustrating situation.
最近天气不好，我感到很郁闷。 (Zuì jìn tiān qì bù hǎo, wǒ gǎn dào hěn yù mèn. - The weather hasn't been good lately, and I feel very gloomy.)
Both imply a negative mood, but '沮丧' is more about discouragement.
不高兴 is a general state of not being happy. 沮丧 means 'depressed', 'disheartened', or 'discouraged', often after a setback or failure.
他因为项目失败而感到沮丧。 (Tā yīn wèi xiàng mù shī bài ér gǎn dào jǔ sàng. - He felt disheartened because the project failed.)
How to Use It
不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) is a very common way to express negative feelings in Chinese. It literally means 'not happy' and can be used in many situations where you'd say 'unhappy,' 'displeased,' or even 'sad' in English. It's often used when someone's mood is generally low or they are upset about something specific. You can use it to describe yourself or others.
For example:
- 我今天很不高兴。 (Wǒ jīntiān hěn bù gāoxìng.) - I am very unhappy today.
- 他为什么不高兴？ (Tā wèishénme bù gāoxìng?) - Why is he unhappy?
- 别不高兴了，笑一笑吧！ (Bié bù gāoxìng le, xiào yī xiào ba!) - Don't be unhappy anymore, smile a little!
A common mistake for English speakers is to directly translate 'I'm sad' to 我很悲伤 (wǒ hěn bēishāng). While 悲伤 (bēishāng) does mean 'sad' or 'sorrowful,' it's a much stronger and more formal word than 不高兴. 悲伤 is typically used for profound grief or sorrow, not for everyday displeasure.
So, if you just spilled your coffee or had a bad day, saying 我很悲伤 would sound overly dramatic. Instead, use 不高兴 to convey general unhappiness or displeasure.
Another point: while 不高兴 can sometimes imply a bit of anger or annoyance, it's generally milder than explicitly saying 生气 (shēngqì - angry).
Tips
Basic Meaning
不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) literally means 'not happy'. It's a common way to express being unhappy, displeased, or sad.
Usage with People
You can use 不高兴 to describe someone's mood. For example, '他不高兴' (Tā bù gāoxìng) means 'He is unhappy'.
Context of Displeasure
It often implies a feeling of displeasure or mild anger. '她看起来有点不高兴' (Tā kàn qǐlái yǒudiǎn bù gāoxìng) means 'She looks a bit displeased'.
Expressing Sadness
While it can mean sad, it's usually a milder form than '伤心' (shāngxīn). '我今天有点不高兴' (Wǒ jīntiān yǒudiǎn bù gāoxìng) means 'I'm a bit sad today'.
Verb + 不高兴
You can use it after verbs to describe the result of an action. For example, '让他不高兴' (Ràng tā bù gāoxìng) means 'to make him unhappy'.
As a Response
It can be a direct response to a question about someone's mood. '你为什么不高兴?' (Nǐ wèishénme bù gāoxìng?) means 'Why are you unhappy?'
Don't confuse with Gao Xing
Remember that 高兴 (gāoxìng) means 'happy'. The addition of 不 (bù) negates it to 'not happy' or 'unhappy'.
Degree of Unhappiness
You can modify it with adverbs like '很' (hěn - very) or '有点' (yǒudiǎn - a little). '他很不高兴' (Tā hěn bù gāoxìng) means 'He is very unhappy'.
Polite Expression
Using 不高兴 is a generally polite way to express negative feelings without being overly dramatic. It's often preferred over stronger terms.
Everyday Use
This is a very common and practical word in daily Chinese conversation. You'll hear and use it a lot to describe feelings of unhappiness, displeasure, or being down.
Word Origin
From '不' (bù, not) and '高兴' (gāoxìng, happy).
Original meaning: Not happy.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic, Mandarin.Cultural Context
When someone says they are 不高兴, it's a direct and common way to express negative emotions, from mild displeasure to sadness. It's often used in everyday conversations to describe one's mood or reaction to a situation. While direct, it's not considered rude to use; rather, it's an honest expression of feelings. For example, a child might say they are 不高兴 if they don't get a toy, or an adult might use it to express disappointment about a plan changing. It’s a versatile term that covers a range of 'unhappy' feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth mean 'unhappy' or 'sad,' but they have slightly different nuances. 不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) is a more general term for 'unhappy' or 'displeased.' It can be a mild dissatisfaction. For example, if someone cancels plans, you might be 不高兴. 难过 (nánguò), on the other hand, implies a deeper, more emotional sadness or sorrow, often associated with a painful experience. Think of it as 'grieved' or 'distressed.' If a pet dies, you would feel 难过.
Yes, sometimes. 不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) can imply a mild form of anger or displeasure. For example, if someone does something you don't like, you might say '我有点不高兴' (Wǒ yǒudiǎn bù gāoxìng) meaning 'I'm a bit displeased' or 'I'm a bit upset.' However, for stronger anger, you'd use words like 生气 (shēngqì) which means 'to be angry' or 'to get angry.'
You can make it a question by adding 吗 (ma) at the end of the sentence. For example: '你是不是不高兴?' (Nǐ shì bùshì bù gāoxìng?) meaning 'Are you unhappy?' or '你为什么不高兴?' (Nǐ wèishéme bù gāoxìng?) meaning 'Why are you unhappy?' You can also use the 'A-not-A' construction: '你高兴不高兴?' (Nǐ gāoxìng bù gāoxìng?) meaning 'Are you happy or not?'
The most direct opposite is 高兴 (gāoxìng), which means 'happy' or 'pleased.' You just remove the '不' (bù), which is the negation particle.
Not really. 不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) is typically used to describe a person's emotional state. You wouldn't say '天气不高兴' (Tiānqì bù gāoxìng) for 'the weather is unhappy.' For situations, you'd use different adjectives like '不好' (bù hǎo - not good) or '不顺利' (bù shùnlì - not smooth/unfavorable).
Some common phrases include:
- 不高兴了 (bù gāoxìng le): became unhappy/got upset.
- 有点不高兴 (yǒudiǎn bù gāoxìng): a bit unhappy/a little displeased.
- 别不高兴 (bié bù gāoxìng): don't be unhappy.
- 让...不高兴 (ràng... bù gāoxìng): to make someone unhappy.
You could say '我对那件事不高兴' (Wǒ duì nà jiàn shì bù gāoxìng) which means 'I'm unhappy about that matter/thing.' Or, you can say '我对此感到不高兴' (Wǒ cǐ gǎndào bù gāoxìng) meaning 'I feel unhappy about this.'
不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) is quite neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a very common and practical word. You'll hear it in everyday conversations and see it in writing.
Not directly. While being 'unhappy' might make someone 'reluctant' to do something, 不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) itself doesn't mean reluctant. For 'reluctant,' you would typically use words like 不愿意 (bù yuànyì), which means 'unwilling' or 'reluctant,' or 勉强 (miǎnqiáng), which can mean 'reluctantly' or 'to do with difficulty.'
You can soften it by adding adverbs like 有点 (yǒudiǎn) meaning 'a little,' or 似乎 (sìhū) meaning 'seemingly' or 'it seems.' For example: '他看起来有点不高兴' (Tā kàn qǐlái yǒudiǎn bù gāoxìng) - 'He looks a little unhappy.' Or '她似乎不高兴' (Tā sìhū bù gāoxìng) - 'She seems unhappy.'
Test Yourself 78 questions
她今天看起来有点___。
The sentence '她今天看起来有点...' (She looks a bit... today) needs an adjective that describes her mood. '不高兴' (unhappy) fits the context of someone looking a certain way. '难过' (sad) is also possible but '不高兴' is the target word.
他因为考试没考好，所以很___。
The phrase '因为考试没考好' (because he didn't do well on the exam) indicates a negative reason, so '不高兴' (unhappy/displeased) is the most appropriate emotion.
你为什么___？有什么事吗？
The question '你为什么...' (Why are you...) followed by '有什么事吗？' (Is something wrong?) suggests asking about a negative emotion, making '不高兴' (unhappy) the correct choice.
小狗不见了，她非常___。
Losing a pet ('小狗不见了') is a sad event, so '不高兴' (unhappy) describes her feeling accurately.
老师今天有点___，可能是因为学生太吵了。
If students are '太吵了' (too noisy), it's likely to make the teacher '不高兴' (displeased/unhappy).
我的朋友生日，但是她___，我不知道为什么。
On a birthday, one usually expects happiness. The phrase '但是她...' (but she...) followed by '我不知道为什么' (I don't know why) suggests an unexpected negative emotion, so '不高兴' (unhappy) fits.
This sentence means 'He is unhappy because it rained.' The natural order in Chinese is subject + '不高兴' + reason.
This means 'Why are you unhappy?' The question word '为什么' usually comes before the verb or adjective.
This means 'I am a little unhappy today.' Time words like '今天' often come after the subject and before the verb or adverb.
她今天看起来有点___。
The sentence indicates that 'she looks a bit unhappy today'. '不高兴' (bù gāoxìng) means unhappy or displeased.
因为下雨，他不能出去玩，所以有点___。
The reason for his feeling is 'he cannot go out to play because it's raining'. This would make someone unhappy. '不高兴' fits this context.
我的猫生病了，我感到很___。
If your cat is sick, you would naturally feel sad or unhappy. '不高兴' (bù gāoxìng) is the correct choice here.
老师批评了他，他看起来很___。
Being criticized by a teacher would likely make someone unhappy or displeased. '不高兴' is the most suitable word.
她没有通过考试，所以她有点___。
Failing an exam would cause someone to be unhappy. '不高兴' perfectly describes this feeling.
他昨天没睡好，今天看起来有点___。
Not sleeping well can make someone feel unwell or irritable, leading to an unhappy appearance. '不高兴' fits this situation.
Your friend looks sad. Write a message asking what's wrong and offering comfort. Use '不高兴' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你看起来有点不高兴，怎么了？如果你想聊聊，我在这里。
Describe a time you felt unhappy. Why did you feel '不高兴'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨天我的手机坏了，所以我有点不高兴。
Your younger sibling is unhappy because they lost a game. Write a short message to them.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
别不高兴了，输了也没关系，下次会赢的！
小明为什么不高兴？
Read this passage:
小明今天很不高兴，因为他的考试没考好。他觉得很难过。
小明为什么不高兴？
文章中明确提到“他的考试没考好”是他不高兴的原因。
文章中明确提到“他的考试没考好”是他不高兴的原因。
丽丽今天为什么不高兴？
Read this passage:
丽丽今天不高兴，因为下雨了，她不能出去玩。她本来计划去公园的。
丽丽今天为什么不高兴？
文章中说“因为下雨了，她不能出去玩”，所以她不高兴。
文章中说“因为下雨了，她不能出去玩”，所以她不高兴。
老师为什么不高兴？
Read this passage:
老师今天有点不高兴，因为同学们太吵了。她希望大家能安静下来。
老师为什么不高兴？
文章中提到“因为同学们太吵了”，所以老师不高兴。
文章中提到“因为同学们太吵了”，所以老师不高兴。
她看起来有点___，是不是发生什么事了？
The sentence implies a negative emotion, and '不高兴' means unhappy or displeased. '高兴', '开心', and '快乐' all mean happy.
因为考试没考好，他觉得很___。
Failing an exam typically leads to unhappiness, so '不高兴' is the most appropriate choice. '高兴', '满意', and '开心' express positive feelings.
看到自己的朋友吵架，她心里非常___。
Witnessing friends argue would naturally make someone unhappy or displeased. '高兴', '兴奋', and '激动' are positive emotions.
如果一个人不高兴，他可能会笑。
When someone is '不高兴' (unhappy), they are unlikely to laugh. Laughter is typically associated with positive emotions.
当你的朋友取得好成绩时，你会感到不高兴。
Typically, you would feel happy for your friends when they achieve good grades, not '不高兴' (unhappy).
孩子没有得到想要的玩具，可能会感到不高兴。
It's common for children to feel '不高兴' (unhappy/displeased) when they don't get what they want, like a toy.
Listen to the sentence and try to understand why someone might look unhappy.
Listen to the suggestion given to someone who is unhappy.
Listen to the reason why the children are unhappy.
Read this aloud:
她为什么看起来不高兴？
Focus: 不高兴 (bù gāoxìng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我今天有点不高兴，因为我的计划被打乱了。
Focus: 有点不高兴 (yǒudiǎn bù gāoxìng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果你不高兴，可以告诉我发生了什么事。
Focus: 如果你不高兴 (rúguǒ nǐ bù gāoxìng)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You didn't get the job you interviewed for. Write a short message to a friend explaining how you feel. Use '不高兴'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我今天面试没成功，所以有点不高兴。没关系，下次会更好。
Your friend is feeling down. Write a short message to cheer them up, asking why they are '不高兴'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你看起来不高兴，发生什么事了？我可以帮你吗？
Describe a time when you felt '不高兴'. What happened? How did you deal with it?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨天我的电脑坏了，我非常不高兴。但是后来我修好了，心情就好多了。
小明为什么不高兴？
Read this passage:
小明今天很不高兴，因为他的手机不见了。他找了很久，最后在沙发下面找到了。找到手机后，他就不那么不高兴了。
小明为什么不高兴？
文章中明确提到小明因为手机不见了而不高兴。
文章中明确提到小明因为手机不见了而不高兴。
老板对小李不高兴的原因是什么？
Read this passage:
老板对小李的工作表现很不高兴，因为他总是迟到。老板决定和他谈谈，希望他能改进。
老板对小李不高兴的原因是什么？
文章中说明老板不高兴是因为小李总是迟到。
文章中说明老板不高兴是因为小李总是迟到。
当朋友不高兴时，你可以怎么做？
Read this passage:
如果你的朋友不高兴，你可以问他怎么了，或者带他出去走走。有时候，听他说话也能让他感觉好一点。
当朋友不高兴时，你可以怎么做？
文章中建议当朋友不高兴时，可以问他怎么了或者带他出去走走。
文章中建议当朋友不高兴时，可以问他怎么了或者带他出去走走。
小明今天看起来有点___，是不是考试没考好？
Context suggests a negative emotion due to poor exam results. '不高兴' (unhappy) fits best.
因为下雨，我们的郊游计划取消了，大家都很___。
The cancellation of a plan typically causes disappointment. '不高兴' (displeased) is appropriate.
他因为被误解而感到非常___，一个人躲在房间里。
Being misunderstood often leads to sadness or displeasure. '不高兴' (sad) conveys this feeling.
老板对这份报告很不___，要求我们重新修改。
If a report needs revision, it means the boss is not pleased with it. '不高兴' (displeased) fits the context.
她收到坏消息后，整个人都变得很___。
Receiving bad news naturally makes someone unhappy or sad. '不高兴' (unhappy) is the correct choice.
别再提那件事了，他一听到那个就会___。
If mentioning something causes a negative reaction, '不高兴' (displeased) is the appropriate word to use.
He is unhappy because he failed the exam.
She looks a bit unhappy, did something happen?
The boss is very displeased with this report and asked us to redo it.
Read this aloud:
别为小事不高兴。
Focus: bú gāo xìng
You said:
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Read this aloud:
我看到他的时候，他正不高兴地坐在角落里。
Focus: zhèng bú gāo xìng dì
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果你不高兴，可以说出来。
Focus: nǐ bú gāo xìng, kě yǐ shuō chū lái
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a time you felt 不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) and what caused it. How did you deal with that feeling?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
上周我感到不高兴，因为我的一个重要项目没有按计划进行。我花了一些时间反思，然后和我的团队成员讨论了问题，最终我们找到了解决方案。 (Last week I felt unhappy because one of my important projects didn't go as planned. I spent some time reflecting, then discussed the problem with my team members, and eventually we found a solution.)
Imagine your friend is feeling 不高兴. Write a short message (3-4 sentences) to cheer them up, using the phrase 不高兴 at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
听说你最近有点不高兴，发生什么事了吗？别太担心，一切都会好起来的。如果你需要聊天，我随时都在。 (I heard you've been a bit unhappy recently, what happened? Don't worry too much, everything will be fine. If you need to talk, I'm always here.)
Compare and contrast two different situations where someone might feel 不高兴. What are the nuances between these situations?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
当孩子因为玩具坏了而感到不高兴时，这是一种短暂的沮丧。然而，当一个成年人因为工作上的挫折而感到不高兴时，这可能涉及更复杂的失望和压力。前者的不高兴通常更容易通过转移注意力解决，而后者的不高兴可能需要更深层次的反思和调整。 (When a child is unhappy because a toy broke, it's a temporary frustration. However, when an adult is unhappy due to a setback at work, it might involve more complex disappointment and stress. The former's unhappiness is usually easier to resolve by distracting them, while the latter's unhappiness might require deeper reflection and adjustment.)
小明为什么感到不高兴？
Read this passage:
小明最近常常感到不高兴，因为他在学校的成绩不太理想。他的父母看到他这样，也非常担心。他们鼓励小明多和老师沟通，并帮助他制定了学习计划，希望他能尽快摆脱不高兴的情绪。
小明为什么感到不高兴？
根据文章，小明不高兴的原因是“他在学校的成绩不太理想”。 (According to the passage, the reason Xiaoming is unhappy is that 'his grades at school are not ideal.')
根据文章，小明不高兴的原因是“他在学校的成绩不太理想”。 (According to the passage, the reason Xiaoming is unhappy is that 'his grades at school are not ideal.')
张阿姨为什么感到不高兴？
Read this passage:
在一个寒冷的冬日，老王发现他的邻居张阿姨看起来很不高兴。他走上前去询问，原来是张阿姨的宠物狗生病了。老王安慰了张阿姨，并主动提出帮助她带宠物狗去看医生。
张阿姨为什么感到不高兴？
文章中明确提到“原来是张阿姨的宠物狗生病了”，所以这是她不高兴的原因。 (The passage explicitly states 'it turned out that Auntie Zhang's pet dog was sick,' so this is the reason for her unhappiness.)
文章中明确提到“原来是张阿姨的宠物狗生病了”，所以这是她不高兴的原因。 (The passage explicitly states 'it turned out that Auntie Zhang's pet dog was sick,' so this is the reason for her unhappiness.)
什么事情让李华感到不高兴？
Read this passage:
李华原本计划周末和朋友一起去郊游，结果突然下起了大雨，郊游只好取消了。这让李华感到非常不高兴。为了缓解她的情绪，朋友们提议在家玩桌游，度过一个愉快的下午。
什么事情让李华感到不高兴？
文章指出，李华感到不高兴是因为“郊游只好取消了”。 (The passage indicates that Li Hua felt unhappy because 'the outing had to be canceled.')
文章指出，李华感到不高兴是因为“郊游只好取消了”。 (The passage indicates that Li Hua felt unhappy because 'the outing had to be canceled.')
她因为考试没考好，心里非常___。
The context '考试没考好' (didn't do well on the exam) suggests a negative emotion, so '不高兴' (unhappy) is the most suitable choice.
看到孩子们的争吵，他显得有些___。
When children quarrel, it often makes parents displeased, so '不高兴' (displeased) fits the situation.
由于项目延期，老板对此事非常___。
Project delays usually cause dissatisfaction for the boss, making '不高兴' (displeased) the correct answer.
他听到这个坏消息后，整个脸都拉了下来，显然非常___。
Hearing bad news ('坏消息') would naturally lead to being '不高兴' (unhappy). '拉下脸' (to pull a long face) also indicates displeasure.
她觉得受到了不公平的待遇，所以一直都闷闷不乐，显得很___。
Feeling unfair treatment ('不公平的待遇') and being '闷闷不乐' (gloomy) directly points to being '不高兴' (unhappy).
因为计划被打乱了，大家普遍都感到有些___。
When plans are disrupted ('计划被打乱了'), people tend to feel displeased or unhappy, making '不高兴' the appropriate choice.
Imagine you had a disagreement with a close friend. Describe the situation and how you felt, using "不高兴" to express your emotions. What did you do to resolve the situation?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨天我和我最好的朋友因为一件小事争吵了，我感到非常不高兴。我们好久没有这样了。后来，我主动给他打了电话，我们聊了很久，终于把误会解开了，我的心情也好多了。
You missed an important deadline at work. Write an email to your manager explaining what happened and how you feel about it, using "不高兴" to convey your dissatisfaction with yourself. Propose a solution.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
尊敬的经理，我很抱歉我错过了项目的截止日期。我对自己的粗心感到非常不高兴。我已经加班完成了工作，并保证以后会更加仔细，避免此类错误再次发生。
Describe a time when you saw someone else feeling "不高兴." What was the situation, and how did you try to comfort them or help them?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
有一次我看到我的同事因为工作上的挫折而显得非常不高兴。我走过去听他倾诉，并分享了我自己遇到困难时的经验，希望能给他一些安慰和支持。后来他心情好多了。
根据短文，小王为什么不高兴？
Read this passage:
小王今天一直闷闷不乐，脸色也很不好看。同事问他怎么了，他叹了口气说：“我女朋友对我最近的表现很不高兴，我们吵了一架。” 看来他正在为感情问题而烦恼。
根据短文，小王为什么不高兴？
短文中明确提到“我女朋友对我最近的表现很不高兴，我们吵了一架”，这直接说明了小王不高兴的原因。
短文中明确提到“我女朋友对我最近的表现很不高兴，我们吵了一架”，这直接说明了小王不高兴的原因。
根据短文，员工们为什么不高兴？
Read this passage:
最近公司推出了一项新的政策，很多员工都表示不高兴，认为这项政策对他们的福利有所损害。管理层正在考虑如何调整以平息众怒。
根据短文，员工们为什么不高兴？
短文指出“很多员工都表示不高兴，认为这项政策对他们的福利有所损害”，这是员工不高兴的直接原因。
短文指出“很多员工都表示不高兴，认为这项政策对他们的福利有所损害”，这是员工不高兴的直接原因。
根据短文，下列哪项描述是正确的？
Read this passage:
昨晚的家庭聚餐气氛非常紧张。小明因为考试成绩不理想，一直显得不高兴，父母也因此有些生气。最后，爸爸劝导了小明，气氛才有所缓和。
根据短文，下列哪项描述是正确的？
短文明确提到“小明因为考试成绩不理想，一直显得不高兴”，这是他情绪的原因。
短文明确提到“小明因为考试成绩不理想，一直显得不高兴”，这是他情绪的原因。
This sentence structure places the cause ('because the meeting was cancelled') before the feeling ('he was very unhappy').
Here, '老板' (boss) is the subject, '对她的表现' (about her performance) is the object of his displeasure, and '很不高兴' (very unhappy/displeased) describes his feeling.
The sequence '听到这个消息' (upon hearing this news) describes the trigger, followed by '她变得' (she became) and '非常不高兴' (extremely unhappy).
/ 78 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Meaning
不高兴 (bù gāoxìng) literally means 'not happy'. It's a common way to express being unhappy, displeased, or sad.
Usage with People
You can use 不高兴 to describe someone's mood. For example, '他不高兴' (Tā bù gāoxìng) means 'He is unhappy'.
Context of Displeasure
It often implies a feeling of displeasure or mild anger. '她看起来有点不高兴' (Tā kàn qǐlái yǒudiǎn bù gāoxìng) means 'She looks a bit displeased'.
Expressing Sadness
While it can mean sad, it's usually a milder form than '伤心' (shāngxīn). '我今天有点不高兴' (Wǒ jīntiān yǒudiǎn bù gāoxìng) means 'I'm a bit sad today'.
Example
她看起来有点不高兴。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
一点
A1A little; a bit; slightly.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
