Chinese idiom · 成语
不亦乐乎
Meaning
Isn’t it delightful; to take great pleasure in something.
Character by character
Origin and story
Literary expressionThe opening chapter of the Analects (論語), Xue Er (學而), places this question after the arrival of companions from far away. Confucius presents their visit as a source of pleasure, alongside the satisfactions of learning and of remaining unresentful when not understood. The phrase’s original force is an affirmative rhetorical question: is this not delightful?
Later usage often follows a verb with 得, intensifying how fully someone is absorbed in an activity. Playing, talking, or even being extremely busy can all be described this way. The idiom therefore does more than literally ask whether someone is happy.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
孩子们在客厅搭积木，玩得不亦乐乎。
The children were having a wonderful time building with blocks in the living room.
Usually verb + 得 + 不亦乐乎, describing wholehearted enjoyment or intense activity.