# 心花怒放

xīn huā nù fàng

Feel joy bursting inside

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Flowers in the heart bloom vigorously

**Register:** Positive · general

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

## When to use it

Describe a sudden surge of happiness.

怒 means vigorous here, not anger.

## Understanding the expression

Flowers opening vigorously inside the heart turn joy into an expanding, colorful image. The expression often describes good news, a compliment, or a happy reunion that immediately lifts someone's mood. It can be an inward reaction even if the person does not shout or laugh. The character associated with anger elsewhere has a different function here. The overall phrase is entirely joyful, with emphasis on the fullness and suddenness of the delight.

## Examples

收到录取信，她心花怒放。

### Traditional Chinese

收到錄取信，她心花怒放。

shōu dào lù qǔ xìn ， tā xīn huā nù fàng 。

The acceptance letter filled her with joy.

他一句称赞让我心花怒放。

### Traditional Chinese

他一句稱讚讓我心花怒放。

tā yí jù chēng zàn ràng wǒ xīn huā nù fàng 。

His compliment made me delighted.

奶奶见到孙子，顿时心花怒放。

### Traditional Chinese

奶奶見到孫子，頓時心花怒放。

nǎi nai jiàn dào sūn zi ， dùn shí xīn huā nù fàng 。

Grandma was delighted to see her grandson.

听说假期延长，孩子们心花怒放。

### Traditional Chinese

聽說假期延長，孩子們心花怒放。

tīng shuō jià qī yán cháng ， hái zi men xīn huā nù fàng 。

The children were overjoyed that the holiday was extended.

## 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%BF%83%E8%8A%B1%E6%80%92%E6%94%BE)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=445&webMd=1&la=0)

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