Proverb / Kotowaza
一喜一憂
Alternating between joy and anxiety as a situation changes.
one joy, one worry
Quick Answer
Alternating between joy and anxiety as a situation changes.
- Literal Image
- one joy, one worry
- How to Use It
- Applied to situations where outcomes fluctuate, such as stock price changes, test results, or sports developments.
Meaning
Describing the state of being emotionally swayed by every development in a situation. It refers to reacting with delight one moment and worry the next, implying a lack of emotional stability or being reactive to external events.
Literal Image
one joy, one worry
How to Use It
Applied to situations where outcomes fluctuate, such as stock price changes, test results, or sports developments.
Tone
Neutral register; can be used to caution against being overly reactive to external changes.
Examples
株価のわずかな変動に一喜一憂していては身が持たない。
If you fluctuate between joy and worry over every slight movement in stock prices, your health will suffer.
試験の結果が出るまで、周囲の反応に一喜一憂する。
Until the test results come out, I am swinging between joy and anxiety based on the reactions around me.
試合の展開に観客が一喜一憂していた。
The spectators were alternating between joy and concern as the match unfolded.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
While the individual kanji are accessible, the construction uses a classical adverbial pattern where 'one' (一) translates to 'at times,' making the phrase's structure idiomatic.
一
いっ / i
one; at times
喜
き / ki
joy; delight
憂
ゆう / yu
worry; anxiety
Usage Profile
Usage note: It describes emotional instability, so using it for oneself can sound self-deprecating or honest about one's anxiety.
Misread Risk
It should not be used for a single emotion that stays constant; it specifically describes the oscillation between joy and anxiety.
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Origin
This four-character idiom (yojijukugo) is derived from Chinese classics. In this context, the character '一' (ichi) means 'at times.' It depicts a state of alternating between joy and anxiety as a situation changes. The expression originally served as an admonition regarding how easily the human heart can be unsettled by external developments.
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.