How to say "happiness" in Japanese

• 幸せしあわせJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, na-adjectiveThe direct equivalent of 'happiness' as a feeling — the state of being happy and content with one's life. It can also suggest good fortune, but the feeling is its core.
  金持かねもちが幸しあわせとは限かぎらない。↗

  The rich are not always happy.
• 幸いさいわいJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, na-adjectiveHappiness as blessedness or good fortune rather than a felt emotion. When you want to say that someone feels happy, this is seldom the word you want — that is 幸せ's role.
  あなたがここに居いたのは幸さいわいでした。↗

  You were fortunate to be here.
• 幸福こうふくJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, na-adjectiveHappiness as well-being and welfare: a person's overall state rather than a passing mood. It suits talk of well-being and welfare, the broader sense of 'happiness'.
  金持かねもちが必かならずしも幸福こうふくとは限かぎらない。↗

  The rich are not always happy.
• 幸さちCommon
  nounAt heart a word for good luck and fortune; its link to 'happiness' is marginal. For the feeling of being happy, this is seldom the word you want — use 幸せ.
• 福ふくJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounGood fortune and blessing rather than happiness as a feeling; as a translation of 'happiness' it is marginal. Reach for it when blessings or good luck are meant, not a person's emotional state.
  災わざわいを転てんじて福ふくとしなさい。↗

  Turn your misfortune to account.

Use 「幸せ」 for happiness as a feeling, 幸福 for happiness as well-being or welfare, and treat 「幸い」, 幸 and 福 as words of luck, fortune and blessing rather than the feeling of being happy.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 幸せしあわせhappiness
• 幸いさいわいhappiness
• 幸福こうふくhappiness
• 幸さちgood luck
• 福ふくgood fortune
• ハピネスhappiness
• 鼓腹こふくhappiness
• 清福せいふくhappiness
• 果報かほうgood fortune
• 慶福けいふくhappy event
• 光ひかりhappiness