我很高兴
wǒ hěn gāoxìng
我很高兴 (wǒ hěn gāoxìng) is the Chinese way to say 'I am happy'.
This phrase is used to express that you are feeling pleasure or satisfaction. The specific word 高兴 (gāoxìng) typically refers to a temporary state of being glad or pleased.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase 我很高兴, the word 很 (hěn) literally means 'very' and is often used as a grammatical filler in Chinese-language adjective statements.
Which one should you use?
While 高兴 refers to a temporary feeling of being glad, the word 幸福 (xìngfú) is used to describe a deeper, long-term state of happiness or well-being.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 我很高兴, there is no verb 'to be' (am/is/are) because the adjective 高兴 functions as the predicate.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ hěn gāoxìng
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly insert 是 (shì – to be) before an adjective. Do not say 我是很高兴.
Did you know?
- In traditional Chinese culture, expressing extreme happiness can sometimes be seen as inviting bad luck, leading to a custom of remaining modest even when feeling 高兴.
- The word 幸福 (xìngfú) for long-term happiness contains a character 福 that is frequently displayed upside down in homes to attract good luck.
- The character 高 (gāo) in 高兴 means 'high', and 兴 (xìng) relates to 'interest' or 'spirit', literally painting a picture of your spirits being raised high.
Examples in context
- 我很高兴。I am happy.This sentence is useful for expressing the state of being happy with 我很高兴.Tatoeba #924590 by jessie0422, translation #436371 by lukaszpp
- 今天的会议非常成功，我很高兴能参加Today's meeting was very successful, I am happy to be able to participate.
- 我好开心！我终于考试通过了I'm so happy! I finally passed the exam.
- 见到你，我很高兴。Jiàndào nǐ, wǒ hěn gāoxìng.I am very happy to see you.
- 今天能参加活动，我很高兴。Jīntiān néng cānjiā huódòng, wǒ hěn gāoxìng.I am happy to participate in the event today.
Example conversation
Jiayi and Zhiqiang meet after a long time.
- 佳怡 Jiayi志强，好久不见！Zhìqiáng, hǎojiǔ bùjiàn!Zhiqiang, long time no see!
- 志强 Zhiqiang佳怡，我也好久没见你了。Jiāyí, wǒ yě hǎojiǔ méi jiàn nǐ le.Jiayi, I haven't seen you in a long time either.
- 佳怡 Jiayi能再次见到你，我很高兴。Néng zàicì jiàndào nǐ, wǒ hěn gāoxìng.I am happy to see you again.
- 志强 Zhiqiang我也是。Wǒ yě shì.Me too.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
