双喜
shuāngxǐ
The English phrase "double happiness" is translated into Chinese as 双喜 (shuāngxǐ).
双喜 is a term and a symbol used to represent luck and joy. The phrase is most commonly seen in written form on red wedding decorations, such as paper cuttings or stickers.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the character 双 (shuāng), meaning 'double' or 'pair' and 喜 (xǐ), meaning 'joy' or 'happiness'.
How do you pronounce it?
shuāngxǐ
When do people say it?
The term refers to a specific stylized character design (囍) used as a decorative motif in Chinese weddings.
Did you know?
- The symbol 囍 is not a standard character found in a dictionary but a ligature created by mirroring the character for 'joy' 喜 twice. This visual symmetry represents the union of two people into one couple.
- In Chinese culture, 双喜 can be used to describe a coincidence where two separate pieces of good news arrive at the same time, such as a job promotion and a new baby.
- The symbol 囍 functions as a visual bridge, representing the union of the bride's family and the groom's family rather than just the couple.
Examples in context
- 婚礼现场有很多双喜字。Hūnlǐ xiànchǎng yǒu hěnduō shuāngxǐ zì.There are many double happiness characters at the wedding venue.
- 我想买一个双喜贴纸。Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yīgè shuāngxǐ tiēzhǐ.I want to buy a double happiness sticker.
- 这个红色的双喜真漂亮。Zhège hóngsè de shuāngxǐ zhēn piàoliang.This red double happiness symbol is really beautiful.
Example conversation
The couple is decorating their new home for their wedding.
- 志强 Zhiqiang梓涵，你看这个双喜好看吗？Zǐhán, nǐ kàn zhège shuāngxǐ hǎokàn ma?Zihan, do you think this double happiness symbol looks good?
- 梓涵 Zihan好看，我们可以贴在卧室里。Hǎokàn, wǒmen kěyǐ tiē zài wòshì lǐ.It's beautiful, we can put it in the bedroom.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也觉得，这样更有气氛。Wǒ yě juéde, zhèyàng gèng yǒu qìfēn.I think so too, it creates a better atmosphere.
- 梓涵 Zihan志强，快把它贴好在墙上吧。Zhìqiáng, kuài bǎ tā tiē hǎo zài qiáng shàng ba.Zhiqiang, hurry and stick it on the wall.
