verb HSK 4
xiǎng shòu
to enjoy · to savor · to indulge in · enjoyment

Meaning

享受 means to enjoy or take pleasure in something, often implying a sense of savoring or appreciating an experience. It can refer to physical pleasures, experiences, or privileges. The word carries a connotation of actively experiencing and relishing something pleasurable.

Usage

享受 is used in both formal and informal contexts. It often appears with objects like 生活 (life), 美食 (delicious food), 假期 (vacation), or abstract concepts like 自由 (freedom). Native speakers use it to express genuine appreciation or pleasure in an experience. It's slightly more elevated than casual words like 喜欢.

Examples

  1. 01
    我很享受在海边散步的时光。
    hěn xiǎng shòu zài hǎi biān sàn de shí guāng.
    I really enjoy the time spent walking by the seaside.
  2. 02
    退休后他可以好好享受生活了。
    Tuì xiū hòu hǎo hǎo xiǎng shòu shēng huó le.
    After retiring, he can really enjoy life.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 享受生活
    xiǎng shòu shēng huó
    to enjoy life
  • 享受美食
    xiǎng shòu měi shí
    to enjoy delicious food
  • 享受假期
    xiǎng shòu jià
    to enjoy a vacation
  • 享受待遇
    xiǎng shòu dài
    to enjoy benefits/treatment

Antonyms

Origin

享 originally depicted offering sacrifices to ancestors and receiving blessings in return. 受 means to receive or accept. Together, 享受 literally means 'to receive enjoyment' or 'to partake in pleasure.'

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