喜 is a Chinese character with HSK 1 on the new exam.
Etymology
Oracle-bone origin
喜 appears in oracle-bone inscriptions as a drum 壴 on top of a 口 (mouth). The upper element 壴 depicts a standing drum with decorations on its rim, and the lower 口 represents singing or shouting. Together the graph shows a scene of drumming and vocal celebration, which is the source of the 'joy' meaning.
Form evolution
Bronze inscriptions keep the drum clearly pictorial, often with visible stand and ornaments. Small seal script abstracts the drum into the regularised 壴 component with horizontal bars for the drumhead and base. Clerical script squared off the drum entirely and fixed the 口 beneath, producing the modern 楷书 form of 士 + 豆 stacked over 口, where the original drum is barely recognisable.
How the meaning evolved
The core meaning 'joy, happiness' has been stable since oracle-bone times. Extensions include 'to be fond of' (喜欢), 'auspicious event' (喜事, especially a wedding), and in classical medicine one of the seven emotions (七情). The modern doubled form 囍 (double happiness) is a later decorative compound used exclusively for weddings.
Cultural note
The red 囍 paper cutout on wedding doors is one of the most visible uses of any Chinese character in daily life. Learners often assume 喜 contains 士 (scholar) on top, but historically that stroke group is the top of a drum, not a person.
Basic info
| New HSK exam | Recognise at HSK 1 |
| Frequency | #775 most common |
Example sentences
Words containing 喜
On the new HSK 1 exam
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Frequently Asked Questions
Appears in these articles
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- HSK Speaking Test: Complete Guide and Practice Tips
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.