Translation guide
Expressing tears that come from thankfulness or being deeply moved by kindness.
Crying because you feel grateful or touched by someone's kindness.
Crying because you are emotionally overwhelmed by someone's goodwill or a touching gesture.
Idiom meaning 'one's heart grows warm', often leading to tears from being moved.
嬉し涙 is broader and covers any happy tears, while 感謝の涙 specifically emphasizes thankfulness. In casual conversation, 嬉し涙 is more natural unless you want to stress gratitude.
Japanese often describes the action of crying rather than the tears themselves. For example, 涙が出る (tears come out) or 涙がこぼれる (tears spill) are common.
Literally 'happy tears'. Commonly used when tears are from joy or gratitude.
I shed tears of gratitude at her kindness.
Directly 'tears of gratitude'. More literal and slightly formal.
I couldn't stop the tears of gratitude.
Tears from feeling deeply thankful or indebted. Somewhat old-fashioned or literary.
I shed tears of gratitude for my teacher's kindness.
Reading his letter, my heart grew warm and I cried.
Tears of being moved or touched. Often overlaps with gratitude.
I shed tears of emotion at the surprise.