Definition
This four-character idiom (chengyu) literally means 'happiness forms/colors the face.' It describes someone whose joy is so obvious that it shows clearly on their face — they are beaming or glowing with delight. It is more literary than everyday speech, often used in writing or descriptions of people's expressions.
f.e.
to be radiant with joyto beam with pleasure
Examples
- ，喜形于色。Tā tīng dào hǎo xiāoxi hòu, xǐ xíng yú sè.After hearing the good news, his face lit up with joy.
- ，喜形于色。Kàndào duōnián wèi jiàn de péngyou, tā xǐ xíng yú sè.Seeing a friend she hadn't met in years, she beamed with delight.
- ，喜形于色。Érzi kǎo shàng dàxué, fùmǔ xǐ xíng yú sè.When their son was admitted to university, his parents were radiant with joy.
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