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Japanese dictionary

How to say "happy" in Japanese

うれしい · ureshii

"Happy" in Japanese is うれしい (ureshii) when something makes you glad, and 幸せ (shiawase) for being happy in life.

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Ways to say "happy" in Japanese

JapaneseWhen to use it
うれしい · ureshiiHappy; glad (about something).
しあわせ · shiawaseHappy (in life); happiness.
たのしい · tanoshiiFun; enjoyable.

How to use it

"I'm happy to meet you" is お会いできてうれしいです.

"Happy birthday" is お誕生日おめでとうございます, and "Happy New Year" is あけましておめでとうございます.

Example sentences

Questions

What is the difference between うれしい and 幸せ?

うれしい (ureshii) is feeling glad about something that just happened. 幸せ (shiawase) is a deeper sense of happiness in life.

What do you say to a newly married couple?

Say おめでとうございます and お幸せに (o-shiawase ni), "I wish you happiness."

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