“Happy” in Japanese: 10 Ways to Express your Joy!

Konnichiwa, Tanuki readers! Just as in English, the Japanese language offers an array of expressions to convey joy and happiness. From simple and casual to deeply heartfelt, let’s explore different ways to say “Happy” in Japanese, complete with examples that will hopefully brighten your day.

Let’s go over the 10 ways to say “Happy” in Japanese. Make sure to practice saying each word!

幸しあわせ (Shiawase)

When you want to express pure, heartfelt happiness, “幸せ” is your go-to word. It encapsulates the feeling of being truly content and satisfied. It is quite strong and also references true “Happiness”!

今日きょうはとても幸しあわせです！ (Kyou wa totemo shiawase desu!) – “Today, I am very happy!”

嬉うれしい (Ureshii)

This word conveys the excitement and delight you feel when something makes you happy or grateful. It’s a cheerful expression of joy.

このプレゼントをもらって、とても嬉うれしい！ (Kono purezento o moratte, totemo ureshii!) – “Receiving this gift makes me very happy!”

楽たのしい (Tanoshii)

This word is often used to express the happiness and fun derived from enjoyable activities or experiences. In direct translation it means “fun” rather than “happy”.

旅行りょこうは楽たのしいですね！ (Ryokou wa tanoshii desu ne!) – “Traveling is so much fun, isn’t it?”

喜よろこぶ (Yorokobu)

When someone is pleased or delighted, you can use this verb to describe their happiness.

彼女かのじょはプレゼントを見みて、喜よろこんでいました。 (Kanojo wa purezento o mite, yorokonde imashita.) – “She looked at the gift and was delighted.”

笑顔えがお (Egao)

While not a direct translation of “happy,” this word refers to a “smile.” Smiles often accompany happiness, making it a beautiful way to indirectly express joy.

彼かれの笑顔えがおを見みると、私わたしも幸しあわせになります。 (Kare no egao o miru to, watashi mo shiawase ni narimasu.) – “Seeing his smile also makes me happy.”

うれし泣なき (Ureshinaki)

This term refers to tears of joy, which symbolize overwhelming happiness.

彼かれの成功せいこうを聞きいて、うれし泣なきをしてしまった。 (Kare no seikou o kiite, ureshinaki o shite shimatta.) – “I heard about his success and cried tears of joy.”

感激かんげき (Kangeki)

This word signifies a deep emotional response, often associated with feelings of happiness, amazement, or being moved.

その演奏えんそうは感激的かんどうてきでした。 (Sono ensou wa kangekitekideshita.) – “The performance was incredibly moving.”

ウキウキ (Ukiuki)

This onomatopoeic expression captures the feeling of being cheerful and excited.

今日きょうはデートなので、ウキウキします。 (Kyou wa deeto nanode, ukiuki shimasu.) – “Today I’m having a date, so I am excitied!”

幸運こおうん (Kouun)

While it directly translates to “luck” or “fortune,” it can be used to convey happiness and good fortune.

今日きょうは幸運こおうんの日ひだと感かんじます。 (Kyou wa kouun no hi da to kanjimasu.) – “I feel like today is a lucky day.”

最高さいこう (Saikou)

When something is the best and brings immense joy, “最高” is the word to use. It is a bit casual so best to use another word in a more formal context.

このパーティーは最高さいこうだった！ (Kono paatii wa saikou datta!) – “This party was the best!”

Tips for expressing “Happy” in Japanese!

• Remember the context and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to will influence which expression you choose.
• Japanese is a language rich in nuances, and selecting the right word can convey your feelings with precision.

Now that you’ve learned these wonderful ways to say “Happy” in Japanese, why not spread happiness by sharing them with your friends and loved ones? Whether you’re feeling “幸しあわせ” or simply “ウキウキ,” embrace the joy of expressing happiness in the Japanese way.

Let me know if you have any questions and Ganbatte (do your best) in spreading smiles and positivity!

~ Tanuki