Translation guide
The English word 'rapture' refers to an intense feeling of joy, delight, or ecstasy, often so powerful that it transports a person beyond normal awareness. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; instead, different words and expressions capture aspects of this state depending on context, intensity, and whether the feeling is spiritual, aesthetic, or emotional.
Expressing a state of extreme happiness, bliss, or being carried away by emotion.
A state of ecstasy, trance, or being enraptured. Often used for aesthetic or spiritual bliss, but can also describe being captivated by beauty or pleasure.
He gazed at the painting in rapture.
She was enraptured by the music.
Being in seventh heaven, ecstatic, overjoyed. Often implies being so happy that one loses touch with reality, sometimes with a nuance of being carried away.
She was in raptures over the news of passing the exam.
Great joy, exultation. A strong, often formal word for deep happiness, but less specifically 'transporting' than rapture.
They wept in rapture.
To lose oneself, be beside oneself (with joy). Describes the state of being so enraptured that one forgets everything else.
He was in raptures of joy.
Loanword from English 'ecstasy'. Used in similar contexts but may carry connotations of drug-induced states or extreme emotional peaks.
He reached a state of rapture.
Describing a spiritual ecstasy, being caught up in divine love or vision.
Religious ecstasy, spiritual rapture. Specifically used in Buddhist or mystical contexts for the joy of enlightenment or divine union.
The monk was immersed in religious rapture.
Self-oblivion, ecstasy, trance. A state where the self is forgotten, often in a spiritual or meditative context.
Also used for spiritual ecstasy, though more commonly for aesthetic bliss.
Describing an audience or group reacting with overwhelming enthusiasm and delight.
Enthusiastic, rapturous welcome or reception. Commonly used for performances, speeches, or arrivals.
His performance was received with rapture.
Thunderous applause, literally 'applause as if about to break'. Conveys a rapturous audience response.
Acclamation, cheers. A more formal word for rapturous applause or praise.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all uses of 'rapture'. Using 恍惚 (こうこつ) for everyday happiness would sound overly dramatic or literary. Choose the option that best matches the intensity and context.
恍惚 (こうこつ) implies a trance-like, aesthetic, or spiritual ecstasy, often with a nuance of being entranced. 有頂天 (うちょうてん) is more about being overjoyed and carried away, sometimes with a slightly negative nuance of losing one's head. For religious contexts, 法悦 (ほうえつ) is more precise.
彼は忘我の境地で祈り続けた。
He continued praying in a state of rapture.
神秘体験によって恍惚状態に陥った。
She fell into a state of rapture through a mystical experience.
The audience gave a rapturous ovation.
彼女は満場の喝采を浴びた。
She was greeted with rapture by the whole audience.