喜忧参半

喜憂參半

xǐyōucānbàn

idiom #36,922

Meanings

1 to have mixed feelings
2 (of news) bittersweet, with happiness and worry in equal measure

Characters

Examples

听到这个消息，他喜忧参半。

Tīngdào zhège xiāoxi, tā xǐyōucānbàn.

On hearing the news, his feelings were a mixture of joy and worry.

今年的财报让股东喜忧参半。

Jīnnián de cáibào ràng gǔdōng xǐyōucānbàn.

This year's earnings report left shareholders with mixed feelings.

Tips

mistakes

The 参 here is read cān, not shēn or cēn — it means 'to mix/blend' (as in 参与, 参杂). Stress 'mixed half-and-half', not 'consultation'.

Stroke Order

喜 xǐ

忧 yōu

参 cān

半 bàn