# 喜出望外

xǐ chū wàng wài

Delighted by an unexpectedly good outcome

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Joy beyond one’s expectations

**Register:** Appreciative · expressive

[Change & possibility](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/change)

## When to use it

Use when good news exceeds what someone hoped for.

The surprise matters; ordinary happiness is weaker.

## Understanding the expression

The pleasure in this expression comes from a favorable result that lies beyond previous expectations. Someone may have hoped only to pass an exam and instead receive a scholarship, or expect a quiet visit and find an old friend waiting. The unexpected element makes the joy especially vivid. It does not mean that all happiness must be surprising; this phrase specifically highlights the gap between a modest expectation and a better reality.

## Examples

收到录取通知，她喜出望外。

### Traditional Chinese

收到錄取通知，她喜出望外。

shōu dào lù qǔ tōng zhī ， tā xǐ chū wàng wài 。

She was overjoyed to receive the admission letter.

失物找回来了，他喜出望外。

### Traditional Chinese

失物找回來了，他喜出望外。

shī wù zhǎo huí lái le ， tā xǐ chū wàng wài 。

He was delighted beyond expectation when his lost belongings were recovered.

外婆见我们突然回来，喜出望外。

### Traditional Chinese

外婆見我們突然回來，喜出望外。

wài pó jiàn wǒ men tū rán huí lái ， xǐ chū wàng wài 。

Grandma was overjoyed by our unexpected return.

销量远超预期，店主喜出望外。

### Traditional Chinese

銷量遠超預期，店主喜出望外。

xiāo liàng yuǎn chāo yù qī ， diàn zhǔ xǐ chū wàng wài 。

Sales greatly exceeded expectations, delighting the shop owner.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%96%9C%E5%87%BA%E6%9C%9B%E5%A4%96)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=704&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [洗心革面 xǐ xīn gé miàn Reform oneself thoroughly ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xi-xin-ge-mian)

- [新陈代谢 xīn chén dài xiè A process of renewal or biological metabolism ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xin-chen-dai-xie)

- [欣欣向荣 xīn xīn xiàng róng Grow and thrive vigorously ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xin-xin-xiang-rong)

- [雪泥鸿爪 xuě ní hóng zhǎo Fleeting traces of past experiences ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xue-ni-hong-zhao)

## Keep this one close.

Save useful idioms, read offline, and revisit them with flashcards in Almanac.

[View on the App Store ](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6819590452)

[Previous idiom 无中生有 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/wu-zhong-sheng-you) [Next idiom 洗耳恭听 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xi-er-gong-ting)