Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Elated, in high spirits: A state of quiet, inward joy and excitement; a feeling of happiness that is felt deeply but may not be outwardly exuberant.
   • Secretly/thrillingly pleased: To be filled with a sense of joyful anticipation or satisfaction that one feels privately.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Làm bài thi xong, lòng cô ấy khấp khởi. (After finishing the exam, her heart was elated.)
  • Nghe tin con được nhận vào đại học, lòng ông bà khấp khởi vui mừng. (Hearing the news that their child got into university, the grandparents felt a thrilling joy.)
  • Anh ấy khấp khởi chờ đợi ngày được gặp lại gia đình. (He waited in high spirits for the day he would see his family again.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "khấp khởi" almost always describes an internal, emotional state ( - in one's heart). It is rarely used to describe loud, external displays of happiness.
• It often conveys a sense of joyful relief or satisfaction following an effort or a period of anticipation.

Variants and Related Words

• Hớn hở (adj): To be visibly cheerful and joyful. This is a close synonym but implies a more outward expression than "khấp khởi".
• Mừng thầm (v): To rejoice inwardly, to be secretly pleased. This phrase is very similar in meaning to "khấp khởi".

Synonyms

• Elated: Very happy and excited.
• In high spirits: Feeling cheerful and optimistic.
• Thrilled: Feeling a sudden wave of excited pleasure.
• Secretly pleased: Happy in a private or concealed way.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lòng khấp khởi: (One's) heart is elated. This is the most common collocation.
  • Lòng khấp khởi như chim sổ lồng. (The heart is as elated as a bird freed from its cage.)

1. (Feel) elated, (be) in high spirits
   • Làm bài thi, lòng khấp khởi
     To be in high spirits after having done well at one's written examinations