Translation guide
The English phrase 'joys and sorrows' refers to the full range of human emotions, encompassing both happiness and sadness. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through set phrases, idiomatic expressions, or by describing the ups and downs of life. The most natural equivalent depends on context: whether you are speaking philosophically, describing a personal experience, or using a literary tone.
Expressing the idea of both happiness and sadness as part of life, often in a reflective or philosophical context.
A four-character compound literally meaning 'joy, anger, sorrow, pleasure.' It is the most common and natural way to express the full spectrum of human emotions, similar to 'joys and sorrows' but broader. Used in both spoken and written Japanese.
Life is full of joys and sorrows.
He openly expresses his joys and sorrows.
A literary phrase meaning 'joys and sorrows intermingled' or 'mixed feelings of happiness and sadness.' It emphasizes the coexistence of contrasting emotions, often used in formal or written contexts.
The graduation ceremony was filled with mixed feelings of joy and sorrow.
A compound meaning 'pleasure and pain' or 'hardships and joys.' It often refers to shared experiences of ups and downs, especially in relationships or long-term endeavors.
friends who have shared joys and sorrows
A four-character idiom meaning 'alternating between joy and sorrow' or 'being elated one moment and worried the next.' It describes a state of emotional fluctuation, often in response to changing circumstances.
He alternates between joy and sorrow with every fluctuation of stock prices.
Describing the bond formed by going through both good and bad times together.
A common phrase meaning 'to share joys and sorrows' or 'to go through thick and thin together.' It emphasizes mutual support and shared experiences.
We have shared joys and sorrows for many years.
A more explicit and emotional expression meaning 'to share both joy and sorrow.' It is natural in personal conversations or heartfelt speeches.
Referring to the alternating periods of happiness and sadness that characterize human existence.
Literally 'the ups and downs of life.' A very common and natural way to describe life's vicissitudes, including both joyful and sorrowful times.
I became stronger after experiencing the joys and sorrows of life.
An idiomatic expression meaning 'there are mountains and valleys,' i.e., life has its ups and downs. It is casual and often used in conversation.
Life has its joys and sorrows.
喜怒哀楽 is the most general and widely used term for the full range of human emotions. It is neutral and can be used in everyday conversation. 悲喜こもごも is more literary and specifically emphasizes the intermingling of joy and sorrow, often in a single event or moment.
a life with its joys and sorrows
a graduation ceremony of mixed joy and sorrow
Directly translating 'joys and sorrows' as 喜びと悲しみ (yorokobi to kanashimi) is grammatically correct but sounds unnatural and overly literal in most contexts. It is better to use established phrases like 喜怒哀楽 or 苦楽, or to rephrase the sentence to describe the situation naturally.
We have shared joys and sorrows for twenty years.
The novel depicts the joys and sorrows of a young artist.
A true friend is someone with whom you can share both joys and sorrows.