苦中作乐

苦中作樂
kǔzhōngzuòlè
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 to find joy in hardship
  2. 2 to make the best of a bad situation
  3. 3 to keep one's spirits up amid suffering

Examples

Tiáojiàn zài chà, tāmen yě néng kǔ zhōng zuò lè.
No matter how bad the conditions, they can still find joy in hardship.
Jiābān dào bànyè, dàjiā diǎn le dùn yèxiāo kǔ zhōng zuò lè.
Working overtime until midnight, everyone ordered late-night snacks to make the best of it.

Tips

usage
Often paired with self-deprecating humor about a tough situation — long shifts, exam stress, military service. Carries an admiring tone (resilience, optimism) rather than pity.

Stroke Order

zhōng
zuò