乐此不疲

Pronunciation: lè cǐ bù pí Literal meaning: Enjoy this, not tired

Origin & Usage

Emperor Guangwu of Han held court every morning and did not break off until past noon, then called in his ministers to discuss the classics and the business of governing until the middle of the night. His son urged him to rest, saying he had none of the appetite for ease a ruler was allowed. The emperor answered 我自乐此，不为疲也 — I enjoy (乐) this (此), and so I am not (不) worn out (疲). The History of the Later Han keeps the line. The phrase describes work that returns more energy than it costs, and there is a touch of affectionate mockery in it for anyone whose hobby has become indistinguishable from labour.

Examples

English: "He immerses himself in his work and never seems to tire of it."

Chinese: 他全心投入工作，乐此不疲。