陶醉

• Pinyin: táo zuì
• Hanzi breakdown: 陶 = 阝(mound) + 匋 (pottery); 醉 = 酉 (wine) + 卒 (soldier) — drunk

Meaning

To be intoxicated with; to be enthralled by; to revel in. Deep enjoyment or absorption.

Describes being so absorbed in something pleasurable that one loses awareness of surroundings. Can be positive (appreciating art) or slightly negative (self-satisfied). Often used for music, nature, success, or beauty.

Examples

1. 她完全陶醉在这首钢琴曲中，闭着眼睛随旋律轻轻摇摆。 She was completely enthralled by the piano piece, eyes closed, swaying gently to the melody.
2. 夕阳西下，金色的余晖洒在湖面上，让人陶醉不已。 As the sun set, golden rays scattered across the lake, leaving everyone enchanted.
3. 他陶醉于自己的成功，却忽略了身边人的感受。 He was so intoxicated with his own success that he ignored the feelings of those around him.

Usage Guide

Context: appreciation, enjoyment, arts

Tone: poetic

Do Say

• 我陶醉在美景中。(I'm enthralled by the beautiful scenery.)
• 他陶醉于音乐的世界。(He's intoxicated by the world of music.)

Don't Say

• 用于负面沉溺如'陶醉于赌博' (Avoid using 陶醉 for negative addictions — use 沉迷 instead)

Origin & History

陶 relates to pottery (shaping), 醉 means drunk — being 'shaped' into a state of intoxication by beauty or pleasure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal