How to say "happy" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 嬉しいうれしいi-adjectiveThe default word for happiness you feel: glad, pleased, or delighted about something that has happened, such as good news or a kind gesture. "I'm happy" is normally 嬉しい.
- i-adjectiveHappy as in auspicious or joyous: used of felicitous, celebratory occasions rather than one's own feelings, so it is seldom how you say "I'm happy." Usually written in kana alone.
- na-adjectiveThe loanword from English, matching the English adjective directly. It appears in fixed expressions, but when you want to say that you feel happy, 嬉しい is the word to reach for.
- 円満えんまんna-adjective, noun"Happy" only in the sense of harmonious and amicable: it describes relationships that run smoothly — between family members, spouses, or colleagues — not a person's feeling of joy.
- 楽しいたのしいi-adjectiveHappy in the sense of fun or enjoyable: it describes times, activities, and experiences that you are enjoying. Gladness about specific news or outcomes calls for 嬉しい instead.
Use 「嬉しい」 for the feeling of being glad or delighted, 「楽しい」 for fun, enjoyable times, 「めでたい」 for auspicious, celebratory occasions, 円満 for harmonious relationships, and 「ハッピー」 as the direct English loanword.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- 嬉しいうれしいhappy
- めでたいhappy
- ハッピーhappy
- 円満えんまんharmonious
- 楽しいたのしいenjoyable
- 楽しげたのしげhappy
- 愉快ゆかいpleasant
- 喜ばしいよろこばしいjoyful (news, event, etc.)
- 快然かいぜんhappy
- かりゆしhappy
- 釈然しゃくぜんfully satisfied (with an explanation, apology, etc.)
- 吉祥きっしょうlucky omen
- 睦まじいむつまじいharmonious (couple, family, etc.)
- おめでたい(matter) for congratulations
- 幸あるさちあるfortunate
- 和気あいあいわきあいあいharmonious
- 欣々然きんきんぜんjoyful
- るんるん(very) happy
- 機嫌きげんin a good mood
- 気持ちいいきもちいいcheerful
- 気持ちがいいきもちがいいcheerful
- ご機嫌ごきげんin a good mood
See also
This browser can't play pronunciations (needs Safari 18.4 or later, or Chrome / Edge / Firefox).
