苦中作乐

苦中作樂

kǔzhōngzuòlè

idiom

Meanings

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

Characters

bitter, hardship

Examples

条件再差，他们也能苦中作乐。

Tiáojiàn zài chà, tāmen yě néng kǔ zhōng zuò lè.

No matter how bad the conditions, they can still find joy in hardship.

加班到半夜，大家点了顿夜宵苦中作乐。

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

苦 kǔ

中 zhōng

作 zuò

乐 lè