hing3 gou1 coi2 lit6興高采烈兴高采烈
Jyutpinghing3 gou1 coi2 lit6
Yalehing gōu chói liht
Definition
In high spirits, excited, and jubilant.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Despite being a four character idiom, this is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to describe a lively or excited atmosphere. It carries a sense of visible energy and happiness that is shared among a group, rather than just an internal feeling. It is often paired with particles like 呀 or 㗎 to soften the tone in casual conversation.
Examples
Everyone was in high spirits as soon as they heard about the trip.
Related words
Common phrases
behave in a jubilant manner
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this to describe a state of being busy or frantic, but it specifically refers to high spirits and joy. It is not appropriate for describing general excitement or intensity if the element of happiness is missing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
