幸福 (xìng fú) means 'happiness' or 'well-being' — a deep, lasting sense of contentment and fulfillment, often tied to relationships, safety, health, or meaningful life circumstances. Unlike the fleeting feeling of joy (快乐), 幸福 carries warmth, stability, and gratitude. The character 幸 (xìng) originally meant 'fortune' or 'blessing', while 福 (fú) means 'good fortune', 'blessing', or 'prosperity'; together, they emphasize a harmonious, blessed state of being.

This word is commonly used in formal and heartfelt contexts — in speeches, literature, family conversations, or wishes (e.g., 新年快乐，幸福安康). It appears frequently in slogans, wedding blessings, and discussions about life goals or social well-being. While it can function as a noun ('happiness is important'), it also works adjectivally ('a happy marriage') when modified by degree words like 很 or 真, or in descriptive phrases like 幸福的家庭.