How to say "happy" in Japanese
"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
| Japanese | When to use it |
|---|---|
| うれしいうれしい · ureshii | Happy; glad (about something). |
| 幸せしあわせ · shiawase | Happy (in life); happiness. |
| 楽しいたのしい · tanoshii | Fun; 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
- お会いできてうれしいです。O-ai dekite ureshii desu.I'm happy to meet you.
- 家族と一緒にいて幸せです。Kazoku to issho ni ite shiawase desu.I'm happy being with my family.
- プレゼントをもらってうれしかったです。Purezento o moratte ureshikatta desu.I was happy to get a present.
- お幸せに。O-shiawase ni.I wish you happiness.
- 毎日楽しいです。Mainichi tanoshii desu.Every day is fun.
- そう言っていただけるとうれしいです。Sō itte itadakeru to ureshii desu.I'm happy to hear you say that.
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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