At the A1 level, you can think of '不悦' (bù yuè) as a fancy way of saying 'not happy.' You already know '不' (bù) means 'no' or 'not.' The second part, '悦' (yuè), is like the 'happy' in 'happiness.' So, when someone is '不悦,' they are 'not happy' with something specific. You might not use this word yourself yet, but you might see it in simple stories. It's usually about how someone's face looks when they see something they don't like. For example, if a teacher sees a student sleeping, the teacher might feel '不悦.' Just remember: 不 (Not) + 悦 (Happy) = Displeased. It's a polite word, so it's not like screaming or crying; it's just a quiet feeling of being unhappy with a situation. Even at A1, knowing this helps you see how Chinese builds big words from small, simple ones.
At the A2 level, you should start recognizing '不悦' in more formal contexts, such as in short news clips or slightly more advanced reading materials. This word is an adjective that describes a feeling of displeasure. Unlike '生气' (shēng qì), which is common and means 'angry,' '不悦' is more formal and used to describe a mood or a facial expression. You will often see it in the phrase '显得不悦' (xiǎnde bù yuè), which means 'to appear displeased.' For example, '他显得有些不悦' (He looks a bit displeased). This is useful when you want to describe someone's reaction without being too dramatic. It's a key word for understanding social situations where people might be trying to stay polite even though they are annoyed. When you see this word, think of it as a sign that someone is 'not amused.'
For B1 learners, '不悦' becomes an important tool for nuanced expression. At this level, you are moving beyond basic emotions like 'happy' and 'sad' and into more subtle states of mind. '不悦' is often used in written narratives to describe a character's internal state or their reaction to a social slight. It is frequently paired with verbs like '感到' (gǎndào - to feel) or '表示' (biǎoshì - to express). For instance, '客户对我们的服务表示不悦' (The customer expressed displeasure with our service). This sentence is much more professional than using '不开心.' You should also notice how '不悦' can be used as a noun, as in '掩饰不悦' (to hide one's displeasure). Understanding this word allows you to read more sophisticated texts and write in a way that respects formal Chinese conventions.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '不悦' in both formal writing and formal speaking situations. You should also understand its relationship with other words in the same semantic field, such as '愠怒' (yùnnù - irritated) or '不快' (bùkuài - unpleasant). '不悦' is particularly common in literature and high-level journalism. It often describes a reaction that is restrained but clear. For example, in a political context, a spokesperson might say '中方对此表示强烈不悦' (The Chinese side expresses strong displeasure regarding this). You should also be aware of the four-character idioms or literary structures that include this word, such as '面有不悦' (having a look of displeasure). At this level, you are expected to distinguish between the 'state' of displeasure and the 'expression' of it, and '不悦' covers both beautifully.
C1 learners should appreciate the aesthetic and historical weight of '不悦.' The character '悦' has deep roots in classical Chinese, often appearing in the 'Analects of Confucius' (e.g., '学而时习之,不亦说乎' where '说' is used for '悦'). Understanding that '悦' represents a deep, internal sense of harmony and joy makes '不悦' much more than just 'displeased'; it signifies a disruption of that inner harmony. At this level, you can use '不悦' to describe complex psychological states in essays or literary analysis. You should also be able to use it in sophisticated word pairings, such as '心生不悦' (displeasure arising in the heart) or '不悦之情' (feelings of displeasure). You should also be able to detect the subtle difference between '不悦' and '反感' (aversion), where '不悦' is often more situational and '反感' is more deep-seated.
At the C2 level, '不悦' is a word you use with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its role in the balance of a sentence and how it contributes to the 'tone' of a text. You might use it in a formal critique to describe the 'unpleasantness' of a certain aesthetic choice or in a philosophical discussion about the nature of human reaction. You are also aware of how this word has evolved from its classical origins to its modern usage in diplomatic and literary circles. You can use it to create 'understatement' (meiosis), where describing a grave insult as merely causing '不悦' can actually emphasize the severity of the situation through its restraint. Your mastery of '不悦' reflects a deep understanding of the Chinese preference for emotional control and formal elegance in communication.

不悦 em 30 segundos

  • 不悦 means 'displeased' or 'unhappy' in a formal way.
  • It is often used to describe facial expressions and formal reactions.
  • It is less intense than 'angry' but more serious than 'unhappy'.
  • Commonly found in literature, news, and professional settings.

The Chinese word 不悦 (bù yuè) is a sophisticated way to express displeasure, dissatisfaction, or a state of being mildly offended. While English speakers might often default to 'unhappy' or 'angry,' 不悦 occupies a specific middle ground of formal annoyance. It is composed of two characters: 不 (bù), meaning 'not,' and 悦 (yuè), which refers to joy, pleasure, or delight. Thus, the literal translation is 'not pleased.' This term is predominantly used in written contexts, formal speech, or when describing someone's facial expressions in literature. It conveys a sense of restrained emotion—unlike the explosive nature of 生气 (shēng qì) or the deep sorrow of 难过 (nán guò), 不悦 suggests a coldness or a visible sign that something has failed to meet one's approval.

Register
Formal and Literary. It is rarely used in casual slang with friends, where '不爽' (bù shuǎng) might be preferred.
Emotional Intensity
Moderate. It signifies a loss of composure or a subtle rejection of a situation rather than an outburst.

他听了这些话,脸上露出了不悦的神情。(After hearing these words, a look of displeasure appeared on his face.)

In a cultural context, Chinese communication often values 'saving face' (面子) and emotional restraint. Using 不悦 allows a narrator or a speaker to describe a negative reaction without being overly aggressive. For instance, in a business setting, if a manager is '不悦,' they aren't necessarily yelling, but their tone has shifted, and their smile has vanished. It is the linguistic equivalent of a raised eyebrow or a tightening of the lips. Understanding this word helps learners navigate the nuances of Chinese social dynamics where subtle cues are everything.

经理对这份报告表示不悦。(The manager expressed displeasure with this report.)

Visual Association
Think of a teacher looking at a messy classroom or a judge hearing a weak argument. It's the 'I am not amused' face.

Furthermore, 不悦 is often paired with verbs of 'showing' or 'expressing.' You don't just 'be' 不悦 as often as you 'show' it. This makes it an externalized state of mind. It tells the observer that the internal state of '悦' (joy) has been disrupted. Historically, the character is related to (to speak), suggesting that true pleasure often comes from harmonious communication or the heart's ease (the heart radical 忄 is present in 悦).

他的这种态度令人不悦。(This attitude of his makes people feel displeased.)

心生不悦。(To have displeasure arise in one's heart.)

由于计划有变,他显得有些不悦。(Due to changes in the plan, he appeared somewhat displeased.)

To use 不悦 correctly, you must understand its syntactic behavior. It primarily functions as an adjective (statitive verb) or a noun. When used as an adjective, it often follows verbs like 显得 (xiǎnde - to appear), 感到 (gǎndào - to feel), or 表示 (biǎoshì - to express). Unlike 'happy' (高兴), which can stand alone easily in colloquial speech, 不悦 usually needs a bit more context to sound natural. It describes a reaction to a specific stimulus—a word, an event, or a person's behavior.

Pattern 1: Subject + 显得 + 不悦
Example: 老师显得有些不悦。 (The teacher looks somewhat displeased.)
Pattern 2: 令人 + 不悦
Example: 这种天气真令人不悦。 (This weather is truly displeasing.)

One of the most common literary usages is 面有不悦之色 (miàn yǒu bù yuè zhī sè), which translates to 'having a look of displeasure on one's face.' This structure uses 不悦 as a modifier for 'color' or 'expression' (色). In modern Mandarin, this is often shortened to 面露不悦. If you want to describe a person who is hard to please, you might say they are 易生不悦 (prone to displeasure). This formal tone helps maintain a level of decorum even when criticizing someone.

不悦地皱起了眉头。(He frowned in displeasure.)

In professional writing, such as emails or reports, 不悦 is a safe word to use when you need to mention that a party is unhappy with a situation without using emotional language that might seem unprofessional. For instance, '客户对服务表示不悦' (The client expressed displeasure with the service) sounds much more objective and professional than '客户不开心' (The client is unhappy).

他的话语中透着一丝不悦。(There was a hint of displeasure in his words.)

Collocation: 掩饰不悦
Meaning: To hide one's displeasure. Example: 她努力掩饰心中的不悦。 (She tried hard to hide the displeasure in her heart.)

Finally, consider the contrast between 不悦 and 愤怒 (fènnù - rage). 不悦 is the initial stage, the quiet dissatisfaction that precedes a storm. If someone is 不悦, there is still a chance to apologize and fix the situation before it escalates. It is a signal of a boundary being crossed or an expectation not being met.

看到房间这么乱,妈妈脸上露出了不悦。(Seeing the room so messy, a look of displeasure appeared on Mom's face.)

虽然他没说话,但我能感觉到他的不悦。(Although he didn't speak, I could feel his displeasure.)

While you might not hear a teenager shouting 不悦 while playing video games, you will encounter it frequently in structured and formal environments. In the world of Chinese news and media, reporters use 不悦 to describe the reactions of diplomats or public figures. For example, '外交部对此表示不悦' (The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed displeasure regarding this). This usage highlights that a formal stance has been taken. It is also a staple in high-quality literature, especially in the works of authors like Lu Xun or modern novelists who focus on psychological depth. They use it to paint a picture of a character's internal world without resorting to cliché adjectives.

Media Usage
News anchors often use it when reporting on international disputes or public dissatisfaction with policies.

他在采访中直言不讳地表达了对现状的不悦。(In the interview, he bluntly expressed his displeasure with the current situation.)

In period dramas (costume dramas), 不悦 is a key word for kings, emperors, and high-ranking officials. When an emperor is '不悦,' it carries heavy weight—it could mean someone is about to be punished. The word fits the rhythmic and formal style of ancient Chinese dialogue better than modern colloquialisms. If you watch shows like 'Story of Yanxi Palace' or 'Nirvana in Fire,' listen for the phrase '朕心甚不悦' (We [the Emperor] are very displeased).

You will also find 不悦 in psychological assessments, academic papers on emotion, and formal critiques of art or music. It serves as a precise label for a specific affective state. In these contexts, it is contrasted with '愉悦' (yúyuè - joyful/pleasant), which is its direct antonym. This binary pair (不悦 vs 愉悦) is used to describe the range of human response to stimuli.

这种噪音会让人产生生理上的不悦感。(This kind of noise can cause a physical sense of displeasure.)

Daily Life
While rare in speech among peers, a parent might use it with a child to sound more serious and authoritative: '我对你的行为感到很不悦.'

Understanding where 不悦 appears helps you adjust your own register. If you use it while joking with friends at a bar, it might sound mock-serious or overly dramatic. However, if you use it in a formal letter of complaint to a company, it shows that you are a sophisticated user of the language who knows how to express grievances with dignity.

他在日记中写下了那天的不悦经历。(He wrote down that day's unpleasant experience in his diary.)

听到批评,她并没有表现出不悦。(Hearing the criticism, she did not show any displeasure.)

The most frequent mistake learners make with 不悦 is using it as a direct substitute for 'sad' (难过) or 'angry' (生气). While 不悦 involves negative emotion, it is not synonymous with sorrow. You wouldn't use 不悦 to describe your feelings after a breakup; that would sound incredibly cold and strange. Similarly, while 不悦 can lead to anger, it is the 'displeasure' that comes from a mismatch of expectations, not necessarily the fiery rage associated with 生气.

Mistake 1: Overuse in Casual Speech
Saying '我不悦' to a friend when they are late is too formal. Use '我不开心' or '我有点生气' instead.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 'Unpleasant' Things
While you can say '不悦的经历' (unpleasant experience), you usually don't use it for sensory things like 'unpleasant smell.' For smells, use '难闻' (nánwén).

Another common error is the incorrect use of the particle (hěn). While you can say '很不悦,' it is more common in formal writing to use modifiers like '略显' (slightly showing), '面露' (face showing), or '深感' (deeply feeling). Learners often treat 不悦 as a simple adjective like 'big' or 'small,' but it carries more weight and usually requires a verbal context to anchor it.

Incorrect: 这个苹果很不悦。(This apple is very displeased.) - Logic error; apples can't feel displeasure.

Furthermore, pay attention to the character . It is often confused with (shuo) because they look similar. However, their meanings and pronunciations are entirely different. has the heart radical, indicating a feeling, while has the speech radical, indicating talking. Mixing these up in writing is a common beginner mistake.

Correct: 听到这个消息,他心中有些不悦。(Hearing this news, he felt some displeasure in his heart.)

Mistake 3: Misplacing '不'
Remember that '不' is the negation. You cannot say '悦不' or '悦没'. The structure is fixed as '不悦'.

Lastly, remember that 不悦 is an internal state that is often revealed. Using it to describe a situation (e.g., 'a displeased situation') is less common than using it to describe a person's reaction to that situation. Focus on the human element when using this word.

他不希望因为自己的不悦而影响大家的情绪。(He didn't want his displeasure to affect everyone's mood.)

Choosing the right word for 'unhappy' depends entirely on the level of intensity and the social context. 不悦 is just one point on a broad spectrum. Let's compare it with its synonyms to see where it fits best.

不悦 vs. 生气 (shēng qì)
生气 is the standard word for 'angry.' It is active and can be explosive. 不悦 is more passive and formal; it is the feeling of being displeased rather than the act of being mad.
不悦 vs. 不快 (bù kuài)
These two are very close. 不快 is slightly more focused on the lack of 'speed' or 'smoothness' in the heart (literally 'not fast/pleasant'). 不悦 is slightly more formal and is often used to describe facial expressions.

If you are looking for more literary or intense alternatives, consider 恼怒 (nǎonù), which means 'annoyed and angry,' or 愠色 (yùnsè), which specifically refers to a look of irritation on the face. On the other hand, if you want something casual, 不爽 (bùshuǎng) is the way to go. It is very common in spoken Mandarin to say '我心里很不爽' (I'm really annoyed/unhappy).

听到他的挑衅,他脸上掠过一丝不快。(A flash of displeasure/unhappiness crossed his face upon hearing his provocation.)

In a formal or academic context, you might see 反感 (fǎngǎn), which means 'aversion' or 'resentment.' While 不悦 is a feeling, 反感 is a deeper, more ideological or personal dislike. If someone's behavior makes you 不悦, it might be a temporary reaction. If it makes you 反感, you probably don't like them as a person.

他的无礼让在场的所有人都感到不悦。(His rudeness made everyone present feel displeased.)

Antonym: 愉悦 (yú yuè)
This is the formal word for 'joyful' or 'pleasant.' It is the perfect counterpart to 不悦.

Lastly, consider 失望 (shīwàng - disappointed). Sometimes 不悦 stems from disappointment. If you expected a promotion and didn't get it, you might feel 不悦 (displeased with the decision) and 失望 (disappointed in the outcome). Understanding these connections allows you to layer your descriptions more effectively.

这场不悦的争吵最终以双方的沉默告终。(This unpleasant quarrel finally ended in the silence of both parties.)

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The character 悦 was historically interchangeable with 说 (to speak) in ancient texts like the Analects, where 'pleasure' was seen as something that 'speaks' from the heart.

Guia de pronúncia

UK bû yɥɛ̂
US bû yɥɛ̂
Second syllable 'yue' usually carries more semantic weight.
Rima com
月 (yuè) 乐 (yuè - music) 越 (yuè) 岳 (yuè) 阅 (yuè) 悦 (yuè) 跃 (yuè) 粤 (yuè)
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing 'yue' like 'you'. It should be 'yweh' with a rounded mouth.
  • Using the wrong tone for 'bu'. Remember it changes to 'bú' if the next word is 4th tone.
  • Confusing 'yue' with 'shuo' (speak).
  • Pronouncing 'bu' with a long English 'oo' sound instead of the clipped Chinese 'u'.
  • Failing to round the lips for the 'yu' sound in 'yue'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Common in books and news, but requires knowing the character 悦.

Escrita 4/5

The character 悦 is slightly complex to write correctly (heart radical).

Expressão oral 3/5

Easy to pronounce, but tricky to use in the right social register.

Audição 3/5

Can be confused with 'shuo' (speak) if listening quickly.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

高兴 生气 心情

Aprenda a seguir

愉悦 反感 愠怒 委婉 辞令

Avançado

怏怏不乐 拂袖而去 怒不可遏 心平气和 泰然处之

Gramática essencial

The 'Bu' Tone Change Rule

不 (bù) becomes bú before a 4th tone word like 悦 (yuè).

Using 'De' (地) for Adverbs

他【不悦地】离开了房间。

Stative Verbs as Adjectives

In Chinese, words like '不悦' don't need 'to be' (shi); you just say '他很不悦'.

The 'Ren' (让) Causative Structure

这件事【让】他很不悦。

Complement of State with 'De' (得)

他气得【脸色很不悦】。

Exemplos por nível

1

他不悦。

He is displeased.

Simple Subject + Adjective structure.

2

老师不悦。

The teacher is displeased.

The subject 'teacher' is followed by the state 'not pleased'.

3

我不悦。

I am displeased.

First person usage.

4

你不悦吗?

Are you displeased?

Adding '吗' to form a yes/no question.

5

他很不悦。

He is very displeased.

'很' is used as an intensifier.

6

妈妈不悦。

Mom is displeased.

A common family scenario.

7

他们不悦。

They are displeased.

Plural subject.

8

有点不悦。

A bit displeased.

Using '有点' to soften the emotion.

1

他显得有些不悦。

He appears somewhat displeased.

Using '显得' (appears) to describe outward appearance.

2

听到这个消息,他不悦了。

Hearing this news, he became displeased.

The '了' at the end indicates a change of state.

3

他的语气让人不悦。

His tone makes people displeased.

Using '让人' (makes people) to describe the effect of something.

4

她脸上露出了不悦的神情。

A look of displeasure appeared on her face.

A very common descriptive phrase.

5

经理对他迟到感到不悦。

The manager felt displeased with his being late.

Using '对...感到' to specify the cause.

6

请不要让他不悦。

Please don't make him displeased.

Imperative sentence with '不要'.

7

由于天气不好,他很不悦。

Due to the bad weather, he is very displeased.

Using '由于' to explain the reason.

8

他掩饰不住心中的不悦。

He couldn't hide the displeasure in his heart.

Using '掩饰不住' (cannot hide).

1

客户对这个结果表示不悦。

The client expressed displeasure with this result.

Formal usage with '表示' (express).

2

他不悦地放下了手中的书。

He put down the book in his hand displeasedly.

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

3

这种不合理的安排令人深感不悦。

This unreasonable arrangement makes one feel deeply displeased.

Using '深感' (deeply feel) for emphasis.

4

尽管他很生气,但只是表现出些许不悦。

Although he was very angry, he only showed a little displeasure.

Contrast between '生气' and '不悦'.

5

他的一番话引起了大家的不悦。

His words caused everyone's displeasure.

Using '引起' (cause/trigger).

6

看到这种情况,他不禁心生不悦。

Seeing this situation, he couldn't help but feel displeased.

Idiomatic use of '心生' (arise in the heart).

7

他不希望因为这件小事而产生不悦。

He didn't want to have displeasure because of this small matter.

Using '产生' (produce/generate).

8

他的这种态度确实令人感到不悦。

This attitude of his indeed makes one feel displeased.

Using '确实' (indeed) for confirmation.

1

官方对该报道的真实性表示不悦。

The authorities expressed displeasure regarding the truthfulness of the report.

High-level formal register.

2

他眉头微皱,面有不悦之色。

His eyebrows knitted slightly, and there was a look of displeasure on his face.

Literary description of appearance.

3

那场不悦的谈话最终不欢而散。

That unpleasant conversation eventually ended on a sour note.

Using '不悦' as an attributive adjective.

4

他强压下心中的不悦,继续主持会议。

He suppressed the displeasure in his heart and continued to chair the meeting.

Using '强压下' (strongly suppress).

5

这种傲慢的行为必然会招致他人的不悦。

Such arrogant behavior will inevitably incur the displeasure of others.

Using '招致' (to incur/bring about).

6

他在信中委婉地表达了自己的不悦。

He tactfully expressed his displeasure in the letter.

Using '委婉地' (tactfully/indirectly).

7

这一决定在员工中引起了广泛的不悦。

This decision caused widespread displeasure among the employees.

Describing collective emotion.

8

他那不悦的反应出乎所有人的意料。

His displeased reaction was beyond everyone's expectation.

Using '出乎...意料'.

1

他的一举一动都透着一种难以言说的不悦。

Every one of his moves revealed an unspeakable displeasure.

Abstract literary description.

2

这种审美上的不悦源于作品色彩的极度不协调。

This aesthetic displeasure stems from the extreme disharmony of the work's colors.

Using '不悦' in a critical, academic sense.

3

他试图通过冷淡的态度来宣泄心中的不悦。

He tried to vent the displeasure in his heart through a cold attitude.

Using '宣泄' (to vent/release).

4

面对指责,他只是淡淡地回了一句,掩饰了内心的不悦。

Facing the accusation, he just replied faintly, hiding his inner displeasure.

Complex sentence with multiple clauses.

5

那种不悦感像阴云一样笼罩在他的心头。

That sense of displeasure hung over his heart like a dark cloud.

Metaphorical usage.

6

双方的误解最终酿成了一场令人不悦的冲突。

The mutual misunderstanding eventually led to an unpleasant conflict.

Using '酿成' (to lead to a bad result).

7

他并不避讳表达对这种社会现象的不悦。

He does not shy away from expressing his displeasure with this social phenomenon.

Using '避讳' (to avoid/shy away from).

8

这种不悦并非针对个人,而是针对整个体制。

This displeasure is not directed at individuals, but at the entire system.

Using '并非...而是...' structure.

1

其文辞间流露出的不悦,实则是对时代悲剧的深沉控诉。

The displeasure revealed in his writing is, in fact, a deep indictment of the tragedy of the era.

Highly academic and literary analysis.

2

他不以物喜,不以己悲,即便面临不悦之事也能泰然处之。

He is not swayed by external gains or personal losses; even when facing displeasing matters, he remains calm.

Classical Chinese philosophical structure.

3

外交辞令中的‘不悦’,往往预示着双边关系的微妙转折。

The 'displeasure' in diplomatic language often foreshadows a subtle turning point in bilateral relations.

Analyzing the semiotics of language.

4

这种心理上的不悦,往往是由于长期压抑的潜意识冲突所致。

This psychological displeasure is often caused by long-suppressed subconscious conflicts.

Scientific/Psychological register.

5

他那看似不经意的不悦,实则包含着极大的政治警示。

His seemingly casual displeasure actually contains a great political warning.

Nuanced interpretation of behavior.

6

在这一语境下,‘不悦’已升华为一种对世俗平庸的拒绝。

In this context, 'displeasure' has been sublimated into a rejection of worldly mediocrity.

Abstract philosophical usage.

7

作者巧妙地利用角色的不悦,构建了小说紧张的叙事节奏。

The author cleverly uses the character's displeasure to construct the novel's tense narrative rhythm.

Literary criticism terminology.

8

即便面对如此令人不悦的指责,他依然保持了君子风度。

Even in the face of such displeasing accusations, he still maintained the demeanor of a gentleman.

Complex conditional structure.

Sinônimos

不快 生气 恼怒 愠色 不爽 反感 不满 忧郁

Antônimos

愉悦 高兴 欣喜 快乐

Colocações comuns

面露不悦
深感不悦
表示不悦
心生不悦
略显不悦
掩饰不悦
引起不悦
不悦之色
不悦的经历
带有不悦

Frases Comuns

面有不悦

— To have a look of displeasure on one's face.

王经理面有不悦。

甚是不悦

— Very displeased (formal).

陛下听后甚是不悦。

心下不悦

— Feeling displeased in one's mind/heart.

他心下不悦,但没说出来。

多生不悦

— To cause much displeasure.

此事多生不悦。

面带不悦

— To wear a look of displeasure.

他面带不悦地走了进来。

不悦而别

— To leave on bad terms or displeasedly.

两人不悦而别。

颇为不悦

— Quite displeased.

他对这个安排颇为不悦。

不悦之情

— Feelings of displeasure.

脸上流露出不悦之情。

略有不悦

— Slightly displeased.

他显得略有不悦。

满心不悦

— Heart full of displeasure.

她满心不悦地回了家。

Frequentemente confundido com

不悦 vs 不快

Very similar, but '不快' is more about general unpleasantness, while '不悦' is specifically about displeasure.

不悦 vs 生气

Anger vs. Displeasure. '生气' is more active; '不悦' is more of a state or reaction.

不悦 vs 不约

Sounds similar (bù yuē) but means 'not making an appointment'.

Expressões idiomáticas

"闷闷不乐"

— To be depressed or in low spirits; moody.

他整天闷闷不乐的。

Common
"怏怏不乐"

— Discontented and unhappy.

他怏怏不乐地离开了会场。

Literary
"不欢而散"

— To part on bad terms; to break up in discord.

聚会最终不欢而散。

Common
"郁郁寡欢"

— Joyless and depressed; melancholy.

他近来郁郁寡欢。

Literary
"大为不快"

— Extremely displeased.

这件事让他大为不快。

Formal
"怒形于色"

— Anger showing on one's face.

他气得怒形于色。

Literary
"心怀不满"

— To harbor resentment or dissatisfaction.

他对公司的决定心怀不满。

Formal
"眉头深锁"

— To frown deeply (often due to displeasure).

他眉头深锁,似乎在想事情。

Common
"拂袖而去"

— To leave in a huff; to storm out.

他听完后拂袖而去。

Literary
"面若冰霜"

— A face as cold as frost (indicating severe displeasure).

她面若冰霜地看着他。

Literary

Fácil de confundir

不悦 vs 不快 (bù kuài)

Both mean 'unhappy' or 'unpleasant'.

'不快' can describe an event (unpleasant experience), while '不悦' is almost always about a person's feeling or face.

一场不快的谈话 vs. 他脸上露出不悦。

不悦 vs 生气 (shēng qì)

Both relate to negative emotions.

'生气' is the common word for 'angry'. '不悦' is formal and less intense, more like 'displeased'.

我很生气! vs. 经理表示不悦。

不悦 vs 难过 (nán guò)

Both mean 'not happy'.

'难过' is 'sad' or 'grieved'. '不悦' is 'displeased' or 'annoyed'. You feel '难过' at a funeral, but '不悦' at a bad service.

他很难过。 vs. 他很不悦。

不悦 vs 反感 (fǎn gǎn)

Both express dislike.

'反感' is a strong sense of aversion or disgust. '不悦' is just being displeased with a specific thing.

我反感这种人。 vs. 我对他的迟到感到不悦。

不悦 vs 恼怒 (nǎo nù)

Both are formal words for annoyance.

'恼怒' is much stronger, combining 'irritation' with 'anger'. '不悦' is milder and more restrained.

他恼怒地拍了桌子。 vs. 他显得有些不悦。

Padrões de frases

A2

Subject + 显得 + 不悦

他显得有些不悦。

B1

对 + Object + 表示 + 不悦

客户对服务表示不悦。

B1

令人 + 不悦

这种行为令人不悦。

B2

面有 + 不悦 + 之色

他面有不悦之色。

B2

掩饰 + 不悦

她努力掩饰心中的不悦。

C1

心生 + 不悦

我不禁心生不悦。

C1

带有 + 一丝 + 不悦

语气中带有一丝不悦。

C2

即便...也保持...即便面临不悦之事也能泰然处之

即便面临不悦之事也能泰然处之。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

不悦感 (Sense of displeasure)
悦耳 (Pleasing to the ear)
悦目 (Pleasing to the eye)

Verbos

悦服 (To submit with a willing heart)
喜悦 (To be happy)

Adjetivos

愉悦 (Joyful)
悦人 (Pleasing to others)

Relacionado

心情
神色
态度
愤怒
不满

Como usar

frequency

Common in written Chinese, news, and formal speech. Moderate frequency in daily conversation.

Erros comuns
  • Using '不悦' for physical pain. 难受 (nánshòu)

    '不悦' is only for emotional displeasure, not physical discomfort.

  • Saying '我不悦你' (I displease you). 我对你感到不悦。

    '不悦' cannot take a direct object. You must use a preposition like '对'.

  • Confusing '不悦' with '不约'. 不悦 (bù yuè)

    '不约' means 'not making an appointment'. The characters and meanings are totally different.

  • Using '不悦' for a bad smell. 难闻 (nánwén)

    '不悦' is not used for sensory unpleasantness like smells or tastes.

  • Writing '不悦' as '不说'. 不悦

    Learners often mix up the heart radical and the speech radical.

Dicas

Formal Contexts

Always use '不悦' in business emails when you need to complain. It sounds professional and avoids sounding like a child.

The 'Bu' Rule

Remember to change the tone of '不' to second tone when saying '不悦'. It flows better and sounds more native.

Novel Reading

When you see '不悦' in a book, look at the characters around it. It usually describes a shift in the story's tension.

Softening the Blow

Use '略显不悦' (slightly showing displeasure) to sound even more polite while still getting your point across.

Heart Radical

Visualize the heart radical on the left of 悦. It helps you remember this is about an internal feeling.

Saving Face

Understand that '不悦' is a tool for saving face. It allows for a negative reaction without a scene.

Swap it Out

Try replacing '生气' with '不悦' in your next formal Chinese writing assignment to see how it changes the tone.

News Watching

Listen for '表示不悦' when watching Chinese news about international relations. It's a very common phrase.

Idiom Pairing

Pair '不悦' with '不欢而散' in stories to describe a meeting that went wrong.

Inner Peace

Remember that '悦' is joy. '不悦' is simply the absence of that joy in a given moment.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Bu' as 'No' and 'Yue' as 'Yay!'. So, 'Bu-Yue' is 'No-Yay'—when you are not saying yay because you are displeased.

Associação visual

Imagine a king sitting on a throne looking at a peasant who brought him a rotten apple. That face of 'I am not amused' is '不悦'.

Word Web

不悦 不快 不满 生气 愠色 愉悦 高兴 欣喜

Desafio

Try to describe a time you were '不悦' instead of '生气' in your diary today. Focus on how your face felt.

Origem da palavra

Composed of '不' (negation) and '悦' (pleasure). The character '悦' (yuè) contains the heart radical '忄' on the left, indicating it relates to internal emotions.

Significado original: Not having a feeling of joy or satisfaction.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Contexto cultural

Be careful using this in very casual settings; it might make you sound like you think you are superior to others.

English speakers might find 'displeased' a bit archaic or overly formal, but in Chinese, '不悦' is a very active part of formal and literary vocabulary.

Confucius' Analects (related to 悦) Dream of the Red Chamber (uses 不悦 to describe character moods) Modern Chinese diplomatic statements

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Professional Feedback

  • 对此表示不悦
  • 深感不悦
  • 引起客户不悦
  • 令人不悦的安排

Literary Description

  • 面露不悦
  • 心生不悦
  • 一丝不悦
  • 不悦之色

Diplomacy/News

  • 强烈不悦
  • 表达不悦
  • 对此不悦
  • 公开不悦

Family/School

  • 老师不悦
  • 父母不悦
  • 显得不悦
  • 让他不悦

Self-Reflection

  • 心中不悦
  • 感到不悦
  • 掩饰不悦
  • 产生不悦

Iniciadores de conversa

"你看到他刚才面露不悦了吗? (Did you see him looking displeased just now?)"

"如果这件事让你感到不悦,我很抱歉。 (If this matter made you feel displeased, I am sorry.)"

"为什么经理会对那个提议表示不悦? (Why would the manager express displeasure with that proposal?)"

"这种语气确实会让人感到不悦,对吧? (This tone indeed makes people feel displeased, right?)"

"他那不悦的神情说明了一切。 (His displeased expression explained everything.)"

Temas para diário

描述一次你感到不悦但没有表现出来的经历。 (Describe an experience where you felt displeased but didn't show it.)

为什么有些人比其他人更容易产生不悦的情绪? (Why are some people more prone to feelings of displeasure than others?)

在正式场合,表达不悦的最佳方式是什么? (In formal situations, what is the best way to express displeasure?)

‘不悦’和‘生气’在你看来有什么区别? (What is the difference between 'displeasure' and 'anger' in your view?)

反思一下,最近有什么事情让你心生不悦? (Reflect on what has recently made you feel displeased.)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Not usually. '不悦' describes a temporary state or reaction, not a permanent personality trait. If someone is always unhappy, you might say they are '忧郁' (melancholy) or '爱生气' (prone to anger).

Yes, it is a feeling or an expression. You cannot say a 'displeased chair' or 'displeased mountain.' It requires a sentient being that can feel joy (悦).

You can say '我对你感到不悦' or '你的行为让我很不悦.' Both are formal and serious ways to express your feelings.

It is less common in casual talk than '不开心' or '生气.' However, it is very common in office environments, news, and books. Using it correctly makes you sound very fluent.

'很不悦' is just the intensified version. In Chinese, we often use '很' to make an adjective sound natural, even if we don't mean 'very'.

It functions as a stative verb (like 'to be displeased'), but it doesn't take a direct object. You need to use '对...表示不悦' or '令...不悦'.

It means 'to show displeasure on one's face.' It is a very common literary way to describe someone's reaction.

The closest slang is '不爽' (bù shuǎng), which means 'unhappy/annoyed/not feeling it.' It's very common among friends.

This is a tone sandhi rule in Mandarin. When 'bu' (4th tone) is followed by another 4th tone word (like 'yue'), it changes to a 2nd tone (bú).

Yes, like someone cutting in line or a cold coffee. It just makes your reaction sound more formal and restrained.

Teste-se 182 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence using '不悦' to describe a teacher's reaction.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'He appears somewhat displeased.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '面露不悦'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The client expressed displeasure with our service.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '令人不悦'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'I tried to hide the displeasure in my heart.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '不悦地'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'This noise makes me feel displeased.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '引起不悦'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'There was a hint of displeasure in his tone.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a short paragraph (3 sentences) about a bad shopping experience using '不悦'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'The manager is very displeased with your lateness.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '心生不悦'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'Please do not make him displeased.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '不悦之色'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'This was an unpleasant conversation.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '强压不悦'.

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'He wrote about his displeasure in his diary.'

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Write a sentence using '略显不悦'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
writing

Translate: 'His arrogance incurred our displeasure.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'I am a bit displeased' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Pronounce '不悦' with the correct tone change.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Describe a displeased face in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The teacher is displeased' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Don't be displeased' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use '不悦' in a sentence about weather.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'He left displeasedly' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I feel deeply displeased' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'There is a look of displeasure on his face' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I can't hide my displeasure' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Explain the meaning of '不悦' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'This attitude is displeasing' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'The manager expressed displeasure' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'It caused everyone's displeasure' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'I am displeased with you' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Pronounce '面有不悦之色'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'Slightly displeased' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Use '不悦' to describe a movie you didn't like.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say 'His words made me displeased' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
speaking

Say 'Try not to show displeasure' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen to the sentence: '他显得有些不悦。' What is his mood?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '这种行为令人不悦。' Is the behavior good or bad?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '经理表示不悦。' Who is unhappy?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '他不悦地走了。' How did he leave?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '我深感不悦。' How strong is the feeling?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '面露不悦' - What part of the body is showing the emotion?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '掩饰不悦' - Is the person showing the emotion openly?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '引起不悦' - Does the action make people happy or unhappy?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '心生不悦' - Where is the feeling coming from?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '不悦之情' - What does this mean?

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Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '略显不悦' - Is the person very angry?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '不悦的经历' - What kind of experience is it?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '语气中带有不悦' - How can you tell they are displeased?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '官方表示强烈不悦' - What is the register?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
listening

Listen: '别不悦了' - What is the speaker trying to do?

Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:
Correto! Quase. Resposta certa:

/ 182 correct

Perfect score!

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