Renao 熱鬧 (热闹)

rènao · from Chinese

What does 熱鬧 (renao) mean?

熱鬧 (rènao) describes a lively, bustling, noisy and joyful atmosphere, generally seen as a good thing in Chinese culture.

Literally hot and noisy, renao is what night markets, temple festivals, weddings and New Year should be. A quiet party is a failed party. The word captures a cultural preference for crowds and sound that Western visitors sometimes find overwhelming.

Examples

夜市好熱鬧 yèshì hǎo rènao (the night market is so lively); 湊熱鬧 còu rènao (join the fun, tag along); 看熱鬧 kàn rènao (watch the commotion)

Kungfucius says: If you cannot hear yourself think, it is probably very 熱鬧. Congratulations.