# 笑容可掬

xiào róng kě jū

Wear a warm, abundant smile

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** A smile so full it could be scooped up

**Register:** Warm · formal

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe a visibly cheerful and welcoming expression.

A smile does not guarantee sincerity.

## Understanding the expression

The smile seems abundant enough to hold in the hands, making warmth almost physical. Modern use describes someone smiling broadly and pleasantly, often while greeting guests or responding to good news. It is usually approving and more formal than simply saying a person smiled. The phrase concerns visible expression. It does not reveal every private feeling, so a welcoming face should not be treated as proof that the person agrees with everything being said.

## Examples

她笑容可掬地迎接客人。

tā xiào róng kě jū dì yíng jiē kè rén 。

She welcomes guests with a warm smile.

老人笑容可掬，递来热茶。

### Traditional Chinese

老人笑容可掬，遞來熱茶。

lǎo rén xiào róng kě jū ， dì lái rè chá 。

The older person smiles warmly and offers hot tea.

他领奖时笑容可掬。

### Traditional Chinese

他領獎時笑容可掬。

tā lǐng jiǎng shí xiào róng kě jū 。

He beams while receiving the award.

前台总是笑容可掬。

### Traditional Chinese

前臺總是笑容可掬。

qián tái zǒng shì xiào róng kě jū 。

The reception staff always wear welcoming smiles.

## 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=%E7%AC%91%E5%AE%B9%E5%8F%AF%E6%8E%AC)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=347&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [笑逐颜开 xiào zhú yán kāi Beam with happiness ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xiao-zhu-yan-kai)

- [心花怒放 xīn huā nù fàng Feel joy bursting inside ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xin-hua-nu-fang)

- [信口雌黄 xìn kǒu cí huáng Make irresponsible or unfounded claims ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xin-kou-ci-huang)

- [信口开河 xìn kǒu kāi hé Speak recklessly without regard for facts ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xin-kou-kai-he)

## 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 小巧玲珑 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xiao-qiao-ling-long) [Next idiom 小心翼翼 ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/xiao-xin-yi-yi)