How to Write 欣 (xīn) — Meaning “Joyful”

Picture yourself after chopping wood with an axe (斤) — you are tired but happy, so you let out a big yawn (欠) of relief. That yawn is actually a joyful sigh, so the character 欣 reminds you of that satisfied, happy feeling. This visual links the axe and yawn to joy.

First, write the left part 斤 narrow and balanced — do not make it too wide or tall. Second, in the right part 欠, the final stroke (捺) must extend to the right, and the second stroke (horizontal) should be shorter than the top. A common mistake is making the left side too big or the right side too cramped.

欣 has 斤 (axe) on the left and means joyful, while 次 has 冫 (ice) on the left and means next or second. 欢 has 又 (again/right hand) on the left and also means happy, but 欢 is more lively and enthusiastic. Visually, the left parts are very different: 斤, 冫, and 又.

欣 commonly appears in formal or written compounds like 欣赏 (to appreciate), 欣慰 (gratified and relieved), and 欣喜 (joyful and excited). It is rarely used alone but often carries a polite or positive tone. It is also popular in Chinese names, such as 李欣, because it expresses happiness and good wishes.

Common words containing 欣 include: 欣赏 (xīn shǎng) — To appreciate; 欣慰 (xīn wèi) — Gratified and relieved; 欣喜 (xīn xǐ) — Joyful and happy.