Definition

1. Noun:
   • A happy or joyful facial expression: "hỉ sắc" refers to a look of happiness, joy, or pleasure that is visible on a person's face.
   • A countenance showing delight: It describes the overall appearance of someone's face when they are pleased or have received good news.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Trên khuôn mặt anh ấy lộ rõ hỉ sắc khi nhận được tin vui. (A happy look was clearly visible on his face when he received the good news.)
  • Cô ấy không giấu nổi hỉ sắc của mình. (She couldn't hide her joyful expression.)

Advanced Usage

• "Lộ ra hỉ sắc": to reveal/show a happy look.
  • Nghe xong câu chuyện, ông cụ lộ ra hỉ sắc. (After hearing the story, the old man revealed a happy look.)
• "Hỉ sắc đầy mặt": to have one's face full of joy.
  • Cậu bé có hỉ sắc đầy mặt khi được tặng quà. (The boy's face was full of joy when he was given a present.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hỉ (n/adj): joy, happiness; joyful. This is the root word for "hỉ sắc".
• Sắc mặt (n): complexion, facial expression. A more common, general term for the look on one's face.
• Hỉ nộ ái ố (idiom, n): The four basic emotions - joy, anger, love, hate. "Hỉ sắc" specifically relates to the "joy" (hỉ) part of this set.

Synonyms

• Vẻ mặt vui vẻ: happy look/expression.
• Nét mặt hân hoan: delighted/joyful countenance.
• Sắc mặt tươi vui: cheerful complexion/expression.

Notes on Usage

• Register: "Hỉ sắc" is considered a literary or somewhat formal term. It is more commonly found in written Vietnamese, such as in literature, formal reports, or historical contexts, than in everyday spoken language.
• Context: It is often used to describe a noticeable and positive change in someone's facial expression due to a specific happy event or piece of news. It carries a connotation of visible, genuine happiness.
• Archaisim Note: As indicated by the reference ("arch." for archaic), this word can sound old-fashioned to modern ears. In contemporary daily conversation, phrases like "vẻ mặt vui vẻ" or "trông có vẻ rất vui" are more frequently used.

1. Happy look (on the face)