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.
彼女の顔は喜びで輝いていた。
Her face was glowing with delight.
その知らせを聞いて、大きな喜びを感じた。
I felt great delight upon hearing the news.
Emphasizes great delight or overjoy. Often used in casual or spoken contexts.
プレゼントをもらって、子供たちは大喜びだった。
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.
優勝の瞬間、スタジアムは歓喜に包まれた。
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).
彼の演奏は聴衆を喜ばせた。
His performance delighted the audience.
そのニュースはみんなを喜ばせた。
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.
その絵は見る者を魅了する。
The painting delights those who see it.
Expressing the act of finding joy or pleasure in a particular thing or activity.
The most common way to say 'to enjoy' or 'to take delight in'. Simply attach the activity or thing before を.
彼は読書を楽しんでいる。
He takes delight in reading.
私はガーデニングを楽しんでいます。
I take delight in gardening.
A more explicit way to say 'to feel delight in'. Slightly more formal or introspective.
彼は小さなことに喜びを感じる。
He takes delight in small things.
Short phrases or interjections used when you are delighted.
A casual exclamation of delight, similar to 'Yay!' or 'I did it!'.
やった！試験に合格した！
Yay! I passed the exam!
Literally 'I'm happy!', used as an exclamation of delight. Can be used in both casual and polite contexts.
嬉しい！プレゼントありがとう！
I'm so delighted! Thank you for the present!
Means 'The best!' or 'Awesome!', expressing great delight or satisfaction.
この景色、最高！
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.
喜びのあまり涙が出た。
I was so delighted that I cried.
その嬉しさは言葉にできない。
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).
その知らせを聞いて嬉しかった。
I was delighted to hear the news.
嬉しいことに、彼女はイエスと言ってくれた。
To my delight, she said yes.
子供たちは喜びの声をあげた。
The children squealed with delight.
このニュースは彼のファンを喜ばせるだろう。
This news will delight his fans.
彼はいつも冗談で私たちを楽しませてくれる。
He always delights us with his jokes.