Definition
欢喜 can function as a verb meaning 'to be happy' or 'to like', but it is more formal or literary than the everyday words 喜欢 (to like) and 高兴 (to be happy). You'll encounter it in written Chinese, classical expressions, or certain dialects. In standard Mandarin, 喜欢 is the default for 'to like', and 高兴 or 快乐 for 'happy', but 欢喜 appears in set phrases like 皆大欢喜 (everyone delighted) and 欢喜过年 (joyfully celebrate the New Year). Use it sparingly in casual conversation unless you're imitating a literary style.
v.
(v.) to liketo be fond of(v.) to be happyto be delighted
Examples
- 欢喜，。Tā fēicháng huān xǐ zhège lǐwù, yìzhí shěbude yòng.He really likes this gift and can't bear to use it.
- ，欢喜。Kàndào yìjiā rén tuánjù, tā xīnli huān xǐ jíle.Seeing the family reunited, he was extremely happy.
- 欢喜。Zhè wèi zuòjiā de xīn zuò ràng dúzhě huān xǐ bùyǐ.This writer's new work makes readers endlessly delighted.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.