过瘾

• Pinyin: guò yǐn
• Hanzi breakdown: 过 = to satisfy, to pass through; 瘾 = 疒 (illness radical) + 隐 (hidden) — a hidden craving or compulsion

Meaning

Satisfying to the fullest; to get one's fill of something enjoyable; deeply gratifying.

Originally referred to satisfying an addiction or craving (瘾 = addiction/craving). Now broadly used to express intense satisfaction from an enjoyable activity. Collocates with activities like eating, watching films, playing games, or attending concerts. Has a pleasantly indulgent connotation.

Examples

1. 这场演唱会真是过瘾，歌手一连唱了三个小时没有停歇。 That concert was absolutely satisfying—the singer performed nonstop for three straight hours.
2. 今天终于吃到了正宗的四川火锅，麻辣十足，过瘾极了。 I finally got to eat authentic Sichuan hot pot today—numbingly spicy, and unbelievably satisfying.
3. 他一口气看完了整部剧，说这才叫真正过瘾。 He binged the entire series in one sitting and said, “Now that’s what you call truly satisfying.”

Usage Guide

Context: entertainment, food, leisure, colloquial

Tone: enthusiastic

Do Say

• 今晚的球赛打得太激烈了，看得我真是过瘾，恨不得再来一场。(Tonight's match was so intense — I was completely satisfied watching it and almost wished for another game.)
• 平时很少有机会开车，今天在赛道上飙了一圈，真过瘾！(I rarely get the chance to drive — racing one lap on the track today was truly exhilarating!)

Don't Say

• 我在工作上很过瘾 — 过瘾 fits pleasurable leisure contexts; for work satisfaction use 很有成就感 or 十分满足

Origin & History

过 (to satisfy, to go through) + 瘾 (craving, addiction) — fully satisfying an intense craving

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal