Translation guide
Describes a cheerful, energetic, or excited state. Japanese expressions vary by nuance: lively mood, excited enthusiasm, or feeling uplifted.
今日は上機嫌だ。
I'm in high spirits today.
Literally 'mood is good'. A natural way to say someone is in a good mood.
彼女は機嫌がいいね。
She's in high spirits, isn't she?
Describes a cheerful, lively, and outgoing personality or mood. Often used for someone who is naturally upbeat.
彼は陽気な人だ。
He is a cheerful person.
To describe a state of high excitement, enthusiasm, or being 'pumped up'.
Very common casual phrase meaning 'in high spirits' or 'excited'. Note: 'tension' here means excitement, not stress.
今日はテンションが高いね。
You're in high spirits today.
Means 'getting excited' or 'in high spirits', often used for groups or events where the energy is building.
パーティーは盛り上がっている。
The party is in full swing (everyone is in high spirits).
Means to be in high spirits, often with a nuance of being carried away or giddy, sometimes in a slightly negative sense (too carefree).
To describe a feeling of being emotionally lifted, often after a positive event.
A slightly formal phrase meaning 'feeling uplifted' or 'elated'. Suitable for describing a heightened emotional state.
良い知らせを聞いて気分が高揚している。
I'm in high spirits after hearing the good news.
Literally 'heart bounces', a poetic way to say one's spirits are lifted, often with anticipation or joy.
旅行の前は心が弾む。
My spirits are high before a trip.
A four-character compound meaning 'triumphant' or 'in high spirits', often after a victory or success. Sounds somewhat formal or literary.
彼は意気揚々と帰ってきた。
He came back in high spirits (triumphantly).
The English phrase 'high spirits' does not translate directly. Avoid expressions like 高い精神 (takai seishin), which sounds unnatural.
上機嫌 (jōkigen) is a general good mood, while テンションが高い (tenshon ga takai) implies visible excitement and is very casual. Use 上機嫌 in polite or neutral contexts.
彼は成功に浮かれている。
He is in high spirits from his success (perhaps overly so).