fu2 zung1 zok3 lok6苦中作樂苦中作乐
Jyutpingfu2 zung1 zok3 lok6
Yalefú jūng jok lohk
Definition
To find joy and remain optimistic amidst suffering and hardship.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a resilient mindset where someone actively seeks out small pleasures or maintains a positive attitude despite facing significant hardship or adversity. It is often used to praise someone for their ability to stay cheerful when circumstances are objectively difficult or depressing. Unlike simply being happy, it implies a conscious effort to overcome a negative situation through humor or optimism.
Examples
Although the job is very tough, they still find joy in the midst of suffering.
How do you manage to find happiness in this environment?
Related words
Common phrases
the spirit of finding joy in suffering
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
