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津津有味

jīn jīn yǒu wèi

Literal Meaning

Salivating with flavor

Meaning

To eat with appetite; to read or listen with great interest; with zest/gusto.

Origin Story

This idiom originally described eating delicious food, but later evolved to describe doing anything with great enjoyment or interest, such as reading a book or listening to a story.

When to Use This Idiom

Use 津津有味 when:

  • Someone is eating delicious food enthusiastically
  • Someone is reading a book or watching a movie with great focus
  • Describing a captivating activity

Example Sentences

他津津有味地吃着妈妈做的红烧肉。

Tā jīnjīnyǒuwèi de chīzhe māma zuò de hóngshāoròu.

He ate the braised pork his mother made with great relish.

孩子们正津津有味地听老师讲故事。

Háizimen zhèng jīnjīnyǒuwèi de tīng lǎoshī jiǎng gùshi.

The children are listening to the teacher tell a story with great interest.

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