一喜一憂

• Reading: いっきいちゆう
• Romaji: ikkiichiyuu
• Kanji breakdown: 一 (ichi) — one; 喜 (ki) — joy, delight; 一 (ichi) — one; 憂 (yuu) — sorrow, worry
• Pronunciation: /i.k.ki.i.tɕi.jɯː/

Meaning

Alternating between hope and fear; emotional ups and downs. Being tossed between joy and anxiety in response to each development.

A yojijukugo (four-character compound idiom) used as a verbal noun with する, or adverbially with しながら/せず. It describes the exhausting emotional cycle of elation and dejection triggered by small fluctuations in an uncertain situation — exam results, market movements, health news, or sports. Often used with a slightly cautionary tone, suggesting one should not be so emotionally reactive.

Examples

1. 受験の合否発表の前日、親たちは一喜一憂しながら夜を明かした。 The night before the exam results were announced, the parents stayed up all night, swinging between hope and fear.
2. 株価の動きに一喜一憂するのは投資初心者によくある落とし穴だ。 Getting emotionally swept up by every movement of stock prices is a common pitfall for beginner investors.
3. 一喜一憂せず、長期的な視野で物事を判断することが大切だ。 It is important not to ride every emotional wave, but to judge things with a long-term perspective.

Usage Guide

Context: examinations, finance, sports, health, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Four-character idiom (yojijukugo) from classical Chinese. 一喜 means 'one moment of joy' and 一憂 means 'one moment of sorrow.' The reduplication emphasises the oscillating nature of the emotional experience, swinging between hope and dread.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal