觥筹交错 glasses clinking
Explanation
觥：古代的酒器；筹：行酒令的筹码。形容宴会上热闹的场面，宾客们频频举杯祝酒的景象。
Gong: ancient wine vessel; chou: game pieces used in drinking games. Describes a lively and festive atmosphere at a banquet, where guests frequently clink glasses.
Origin Story
欧阳修任滁州知州时，常与朋友们在醉翁亭饮酒作乐。一日，秋高气爽，他们相聚醉翁亭，赏红叶，饮美酒。宾客们谈笑风生，觥筹交错，好不热闹。酒过三巡，欧阳修朗诵了他刚刚创作的《醉翁亭记》，引得众人叫好连连。诗情酒兴，使得众人更加兴奋，更加尽兴。杯盘狼藉，笑语盈耳，场面极其热闹，一直到月上柳梢才各自散去。
When Ouyang Xiu served as the governor of Chuzhou, he often feasted and drank with friends at the Zuiweng Pavilion. One day, with clear autumn weather, they gathered at the pavilion to admire the red leaves and drink fine wine. The guests chatted and laughed, raising their glasses frequently in lively toasts. After several rounds of wine, Ouyang Xiu recited his newly written "Record of the Drunkard's Pavilion," which was met with enthusiastic applause. The poetic atmosphere and the wine further exhilarated the guests. The tables were littered with empty plates and cups, laughter filled the air, and the scene was boisterous and lively, lasting until the moon rose high in the sky before the party dispersed.
Usage
常用于描写热闹的宴会或聚会场景。
Often used to describe a lively banquet or gathering.
Examples
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新年晚会上，觥筹交错，热闹非凡。
xinnian wanhui shang, gongchou jiaocuo, renao feifan.
At the New Year's Eve party, there was much merrymaking, with glasses clinking and conversation flowing.
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宾客们觥筹交错，欢声笑语不断。
binke men gongchou jiaocuo, huansheng xiaoyubuduan
The guests exchanged toasts, laughter and happy conversations filled the air, a scene of joyful celebration.