📖 Meaning
To turn from sorrow to joy; to have one's worries dispelled and become happy. It describes a sudden shift in mood from anxious and distressed to delighted and relieved.
📜 Origin Story
This phrase traces back to the Ming dynasty play 'Huai Xiang Ji' (怀香记) by the playwright Lu Cai (陆采). In the scene titled 'Whispering by the Pond' (池塘唔语), two characters meet and speak by a lotus pond, resolving their misunderstandings. As their doubts are cleared, their furrowed brows relax and sorrow gives way to happiness, setting the stage for joyful harmony between them.
💡 Example Usage
听到儿子平安归来的消息，她转忧为喜，连声感谢众人。
Hearing the news that her son had returned safely, she turned from worry to joy and thanked everyone repeatedly.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 转忧为喜
- Pinyin: zhuǎn yōu wéi xǐ
- Literal Translation: turn, sorrow, to become, joy
- Category: Emotion
- Characters: 4