艳丽 (yàn lì) is an adjective meaning 'gorgeous' or 'dazzling', used to describe vivid, eye-catching colors and striking visual beauty. The first character 艳 (yàn) conveys brilliance, richness, and allure—often associated with intense color or charm—while 丽 (lì) means 'beautiful' or 'elegant'. Together, they emphasize not just beauty but a vibrant, almost radiant quality that commands attention.

This word is commonly applied to natural phenomena and living things: brightly colored birds like peacocks or kingfishers, exotic flowers such as hibiscus or orchids, or festive decorations with bold hues. It carries a positive, appreciative tone and is more literary or descriptive than colloquial—frequent in writing, nature documentaries, and artistic commentary, but less common in casual speech where simpler terms like 漂亮 (piàoliang) might be preferred.