Bubble over Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈbəbəɫ/ /ˈoʊvɝ

BUH-buhl OH-ver

UK

bˈʌbəl/ /ˈəʊvɐ

BUH-buhl OH-vuh

Definition

To be so full of emotion (like happiness or excitement) that it shows clearly, or to literally overflow with liquid and make bubbles on the surface.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal. Often used for feelings that are hard to hide: 'bubble over with excitement/joy/pride'. Can also describe actual liquids (e.g., a pot on the stove). Not the same as simply 'happy'—implies energy and a visible reaction.

• Spanish: desbordar (emocionalmente) - rebosar de emoción
• Portuguese (BR): transbordar (de emoção) - explodir de alegria
• Portuguese (PT): transbordar (de emoção) - rebentar de alegria
• Chinese (Simplified): 溢出（情感）- 难以抑制（兴奋/喜悦）
• Chinese (Traditional): 溢出（情感）- 難以抑制（興奮/喜悅）
• Hindi: भावनाओं से भर जाना - उत्साह से उमड़ पड़ना
• Arabic: يفيض (بالمشاعر) - ينفجر فرحًا
• Bengali: উচ্ছ্বাসে উপচে পড়া - আনন্দে ফেটে পড়া
• Russian: быть переполненным (эмоциями) - изливаться от радости
• Japanese: 感情が溢れ出る - 喜びがこみ上げる
• Vietnamese: tràn ngập (cảm xúc) - bùng nổ niềm vui
• Korean: 감정이 넘치다 - 기쁨이 넘치다
• Turkish: taşmak (duyguyla) - sevinçten taşmak
• Urdu: جذبات سے لبریز ہونا - خوشی سے بھر جانا
• Indonesian: meluap-luap (emosi) - tumpah dengan sukacita

Example Sentences

The kids bubble over with excitement before every holiday.

basic

The pot started to bubble over on the stove.

basic

Her laughter made her happiness bubble over.

basic

You could see the pride bubble over in his eyes when he talked about his son.

natural

The room was so full of laughter, it felt like joy was about to bubble over.

natural

He couldn't hide his excitement—it just started to bubble over during the meeting.

natural