In Chinese culture, 甜蜜 is often seen as the ideal state for romantic relationships and a happy family life. It's a feeling to be cherished and strived for. The word is deeply embedded in the cultural consciousness, partly thanks to the iconic 1979 song “甜蜜蜜” (tían mì mì) by Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng (邓丽君), which is beloved across the entire Chinese-speaking world. The song's title, which translates to “very sweet” or “sweetness,” associates this feeling with a lover's smile and became an anthem for romantic bliss. Compared to the English word “sweet,” 甜蜜 is less casual and carries more emotional weight. In English, you might say “That was sweet of you” for a small, kind gesture. In Chinese, this would be an overstatement. 甜蜜 is reserved for describing the profound, ongoing happiness found in love, a beautiful memory, or a deeply satisfying life experience. It's not about a fleeting moment of kindness but a more sustained state of bliss.
甜蜜 is almost exclusively used to describe positive emotions and experiences. It is informal and very common in daily conversation, on social media, and in media.