苦中作乐

苦中作樂
kǔzhōng-zuòlè
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

HSK 2
Tiáojiàn zài chà, tāmen yě néng kǔzhōng-zuòlè.
No matter how bad the conditions, they can still find joy in hardship.
HSK 7-9
Jiābān dào bànyè, dàjiā diǎn le dùn yèxiāo kǔzhōng-zuòlè.
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