Chinese idiom · 成语

乐此不疲

lè cǐ bù pí

Meaning

To enjoy without tiring; endless passion for a task.

Character by character

乐enjoy

此this

不not

疲tire

Origin and story

Historical account

The Hou Hanshu's annals of Emperor Guangwu record the crown prince urging his father to rest. Concerned at the emperor's unremitting work, he contrasts his accomplishments with the quiet self-nurture associated with Huang-Lao thought and asks him to care for his energy. Guangwu answers that he enjoys what he is doing and does not find it tiring.

The idiom condenses that response into delight in an activity so strong that one does not weary of it. Modern use easily extends beyond public duty to hobbies, collecting, teaching, or repeated playful behavior. The emphasis is enduring enjoyment, not a claim that the person never needs physical rest.

Sources and further reading

MOE: 樂此不疲, quoting Hou Hanshu, Guangwu annals

In everyday life

爸爸每天研究新的面包配方，失败了也乐此不疲。

Bàba měi tiān yánjiū xīn de miànbāo pèifāng, shībài le yě lè cǐ bù pí.

Dad experiments with new bread recipes every day and never loses his enthusiasm, even when they fail.

Usually positive or amused; describes sustained enjoyment of doing something.