津津有味

• Pinyin: jīn jīn yǒu wèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 津 = 氵+ 聿 — saliva, ford; 有 = 又 + 月 — to have; 味 = 口 + 未 — flavor, taste

Meaning

With great relish; with keen interest. Doing something with obvious enjoyment and absorption.

An idiom describing someone thoroughly enjoying an activity, originally eating but now commonly used for reading, listening, or any engaging activity. Conveys a sense of being completely absorbed and finding something delicious or fascinating.

Examples

1. 小朋友们津津有味地听着奶奶讲那些古老的传说。 The children listened with great relish as grandma told those ancient legends.
2. 他把一碗普通的面条吃得津津有味，好像是什么山珍海味。 He ate a bowl of ordinary noodles with such relish, as if it were some delicacy.
3. 她总能把最枯燥的历史讲得津津有味，学生们都很喜欢她的课。 She can always make the driest history engaging and enjoyable — students all love her classes.

Usage Guide

Context: describing enjoyment, storytelling, eating

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 他看书看得津津有味。(He was reading with great relish.)
• 孩子们听得津津有味。(The children listened with keen interest.)

Don't Say

• 用于负面的事情 (Don't use 津津有味 for negative activities — it implies positive enjoyment; saying someone 津津有味地讨论别人的隐私 would be sarcastically critical)

Origin & History

From 津 (saliva; ferry crossing) + 津 (repeated for emphasis) + 有味 (having flavor). Originally described savoring food with saliva flowing; now extended to any enjoyable activity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal