📖 Meaning
This idiom describes a relationship where two people both love and resent each other at the same time. It is commonly used in classical Chinese novels and operas as an affectionate yet teasing term for lovers or children. The contradiction between '欢喜' (joy) and '冤家' (enemy) captures the bittersweet nature of such close bonds.
📜 Origin Story
The phrase originates from Yuan dynasty literature, specifically the work of Tongtong Xueshi (童童学士) titled 'Xinshuiling · Niannuan' (《新水令·念远》). The original lines read: 'Born because of him, die because of him, loving person, enemy.' Here the word '冤家' (enemy) is used ironically to express deep, inescapable affection rather than genuine hatred. Over time, '欢喜冤家' became a popular expression in vernacular novels and operas for lovers or family members who constantly bicker yet care deeply for one another.
💡 Example Usage
他们俩是一对欢喜冤家，吵了一辈子却谁也离不开谁。
The two of them are a pair of bickering lovers who have quarreled all their lives yet cannot bear to be apart.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 欢喜冤家
- Pinyin: huān xǐ yuān jiā
- Literal Translation: happy, joyful, enemy, family
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4