Translation guide
Expresses a state of great happiness, excitement, or joy. Japanese offers several nuanced expressions depending on the intensity, cause, and context.
To be extremely happy, thrilled, or overjoyed, often due to a specific event or achievement.
Literally 'to reach the peak of heaven', meaning to be ecstatic or in seventh heaven. Often used when someone is carried away by joy.
彼は試験に合格して有頂天になっている。
He is elated after passing the exam.
To feel emotionally lifted, exhilarated, or in high spirits, often without a specific cause.
To feel uplifted or exhilarated. Describes a state of heightened positive emotion.
音楽を聴いて気分が高揚した。
Listening to music made me feel elated.
To be in a state of extreme bliss or ecstasy, often as if in a dream.
To feel as if in a dream, blissfully happy. Often used when something wonderful has happened.
優勝して夢心地だった。
I was elated and felt like I was dreaming after winning.
有頂天 implies being so happy that one loses composure or becomes oblivious to surroundings, sometimes with a negative nuance of being carried away. 大喜び is a straightforward expression of great joy without that nuance.
Avoid directly translating 'elated' as 高揚した in all contexts. While 高揚する can mean 'elated', it is often used for 'excited' or 'uplifted' and may not capture the intensity of 'elated' in every situation. Use phrases like 有頂天 or 大喜び for stronger joy.
To be overjoyed or greatly delighted. A straightforward and common way to express strong happiness.
彼女はプレゼントをもらって大喜びした。
She was elated to receive the present.
Literally 'to soar up', meaning to be so happy that one feels light-headed or giddy. Often used when one is flattered or receives unexpected good news.
褒められて舞い上がってしまった。
I was elated by the praise and got carried away.
A formal, literary expression meaning to jump for joy. Rare in everyday speech.
朗報に接し、欣喜雀躍した。
Upon hearing the good news, they were elated and jumped for joy.
Literally 'heart bounces', meaning to feel light-hearted and cheerful. Often used in anticipation of something pleasant.
旅行の前日は心が弾んだ。
The day before the trip, I felt elated.
To feel buoyant and cheerful, often with a sense of light-hearted excitement. Common in casual contexts.
デートの前で浮き浮きしている。
I'm feeling elated before the date.
Literally 'feeling as if ascending to heaven', meaning to be on cloud nine. A bit more dramatic.
合格の知らせに天にも昇る心地だった。
I was elated at the news of passing, feeling like I was on cloud nine.