Translation guide
Describes a positive emotional state, ranging from feeling cheerful and upbeat to being in a pleasant, agreeable frame of mind. Japanese expressions vary by nuance, from general happiness to a temporary good mood or a receptive attitude.
機嫌がいいです。
I'm in a good mood.
彼は今日機嫌がいい。
He's in a good mood today.
Expressing a general state of happiness, feeling good emotionally.
The most direct and common way to say someone is in a good mood. Can be used for oneself or others.
今日は機嫌がいいね。
You're in a good mood today.
彼はいつも機嫌がいい。
He's always in a good mood.
Means 'in high spirits' or 'very good mood'. Slightly more emphatic than 機嫌がいい.
彼女は上機嫌で歌っている。
She's singing in a great mood.
Often used in the phrase ご機嫌だ or ご機嫌な様子, meaning 'in a good mood'. Can be used as a greeting (ご機嫌いかがですか) but also describes mood.
今日はご機嫌ですね。
You're in a good mood today, aren't you?
Literally 'feeling good', often refers to physical well-being but can also mean a pleasant emotional state.
今日は気分がいい。
I feel good today.
Describing a mood where one is receptive, not irritable, and easy to get along with.
Same as above, but emphasizes the social aspect: someone is approachable and not grumpy.
彼が機嫌がいい時に頼んでみよう。
Let's ask him when he's in a good mood.
Lit. 'not in a crooked mood', a roundabout way to say someone is in a good mood, often used humorously.
今日はご機嫌斜めではないみたいだね。
Seems like you're not in a bad mood today.
Feeling good because of a specific event, like good news or a compliment.
Means 'to be pleased' or 'to feel good' as a result of something. Often used when someone's mood improves due to flattery or a positive event.
褒められて気を良くした。
He was pleased by the compliment and got in a good mood.
To feel better, mood improves. Can be used for emotional or physical state.
散歩したら気分が良くなった。
I felt better (got in a good mood) after taking a walk.
The English word 'mood' is often translated as 気分 (kibun) or 機嫌 (kigen), but they are not interchangeable. 気分 leans toward physical/emotional feeling, while 機嫌 is about visible mood/attitude. Saying 気分がいい when you mean 'in a good mood' socially can sound like you're talking about your health.
機嫌 (kigen) is about outward mood and temperament, often used when describing someone's disposition. 気分 (kibun) is more about internal feeling, both physical and emotional. To say 'I'm in a good mood' in the sense of being cheerful and pleasant, 機嫌がいい is more natural.