The characters combine literally to mean “small, certain happiness,” which is precisely its intended meaning. The emphasis is on all three parts: the joy is small and mundane, but it is also certain and reliable, leading to a feeling of happiness and contentment.
The term 小确幸 was originally coined by the Japanese author Haruki Murakami (村上春樹) in one of his essays. It quickly gained popularity in Taiwan and later mainland China, especially among urban millennials and Gen Z. Its rise is a direct response to the intense social pressures of modern Chinese society, particularly the phenomenon of 内卷 (nèijuǎn) - a hyper-competitive “rat race” for limited opportunities. In a world of uncertainty and high expectations (getting into a good university, finding a high-paying job, buying a house), the pursuit of 小确幸 is a form of psychological self-care. It shifts the focus from grand, often unattainable, life goals to small, controllable, and guaranteed sources of joy. It's a quiet rebellion that says, “I can find my own happiness right here, right now, in this small moment.” A good Western comparison is the Danish concept of “hygge” or the English phrase “the simple pleasures.” However, the key differentiator in 小确幸 is the character 确 (què) - “certain.” While “hygge” is about a cozy atmosphere, 小确幸 is about the *reliability* of the joy. A warm cup of tea is a “small, certain happiness” because you know it will be comforting every time. This certainty provides a psychological anchor in an otherwise unpredictable and stressful life.