喜气洋洋
xǐqì yángyáng
Full of joy · trad. 喜氣洋洋
喜气洋洋 (xǐqì yángyáng) describes a scene or group of people that is full of joy and a festive atmosphere. It is often used to express collective happiness, especially during celebrations or auspicious occasions like the Chinese New Year.
What does 喜气洋洋 (xǐqì yángyáng) mean?
喜气洋洋 (xǐqì yángyáng) means “full of joy” in English. Word for word, it breaks down as “joyful atmosphere overflowing.”
When to use it
Formal and celebratory. This idiom is often used in written language, speeches, or to describe public festivities. For more casual expressions of happiness, one might use words like 开心 (kāixīn) or 快乐 (kuàilè).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like "shee-chee yahng-yahng." 喜 dips (third tone), 气 falls (fourth tone), and 洋洋 is two rising tones.
Other ways to say it
- 欢天喜地huāntiān xǐdìoverjoyed; ecstatic
- 兴高采烈xìnggāo cǎilièin high spirits; jubilant
- 喜笑颜开xǐxiào yánkāibeaming with smiles; radiant with joy
Examples
春节期间，大街小巷都喜气洋洋。
Chūnjié qījiān, dàjiē xiǎoxiàng dōu xǐqì yángyáng.
During the Spring Festival, the streets and alleys are all full of joy.
婚礼现场喜气洋洋，充满了幸福的气氛。
hūnlǐ xiànchǎng xǐqì yángyáng, chōngmǎn le xìngfú de qìfēn.
The wedding venue was full of joy, filled with a happy atmosphere.
看到孩子们喜气洋洋地玩耍，我们也很开心。
kàndào háizimen xǐqì yángyáng de wánshuǎ, wǒmen yě hěn kāixīn.
Seeing the children playing joyfully, we were also very happy.
Pro tip: The '洋洋' in 喜气洋洋 sounds like '羊羊' (yángyáng, 'sheep sheep'), making it a popular pun for greetings and decorations during the Year of the Goat.
Related phrases
羊年大吉 · Happy year of the goat羊年 · Year of the goat常用成语 · Useful idioms
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