Translation guide
The English word 'delight' can be a noun meaning great pleasure or joy, or a verb meaning to give great pleasure. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for both uses, from everyday phrases to more literary terms.
Expressing the emotion of delight, happiness, or joy as a noun.
The most common and versatile word for joy, delight, or pleasure. Can be used in many contexts.
Her face was glowing with delight.
I felt great delight upon hearing the news.
Emphasizes great delight or overjoy. Often used in casual or spoken contexts.
The children were delighted to receive the presents.
A more formal or literary term for great joy or exultation. Often used in written language or speeches.
At the moment of victory, the stadium was filled with delight.
Expressing the action of causing delight in someone.
The most common way to say 'to delight someone' or 'to make someone happy'. It is the causative form of 喜ぶ (to be glad).
His performance delighted the audience.
The news delighted everyone.
Means 'to entertain' or 'to delight' by providing enjoyment. Often used for performances, stories, or activities.
Means 'to captivate' or 'to charm', implying a deeper, often aesthetic delight. Used for beauty, art, or charisma.
The painting delights those who see it.
Expressing the act of finding joy or pleasure in a particular thing or activity.
Short phrases or interjections used when you are delighted.
A casual exclamation of delight, similar to 'Yay!' or 'I did it!'.
Yay! I passed the exam!
Literally 'I'm happy!', used as an exclamation of delight. Can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
I'm so delighted! Thank you for the present!
Means 'The best!' or 'Awesome!', expressing great delight or satisfaction.
This view is delightful!
喜び (よろこび) is a noun meaning joy or delight, while 嬉しさ (うれしさ) is the noun form of the adjective 嬉しい (happy). 喜び is more general and can refer to a deeper, sometimes shared joy. 嬉しさ often refers to personal, momentary happiness. For 'delight', 喜び is usually more appropriate.
I was so delighted that I cried.
That delight is beyond words.
English often uses 'delight' as a verb (e.g., 'It delights me'). A direct translation like '私を喜ばせる' is grammatically correct but can sound unnatural or overly dramatic in Japanese. It's often better to rephrase using 嬉しい (I'm happy) or 楽しい (it's enjoyable).
I was delighted to hear the news.
To my delight, she said yes.
The children squealed with delight.
This news will delight his fans.
He always delights us with his jokes.
He takes delight in small things.