Expressing Emotions in Japanese!

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Expressing Emotions in Japanese!

\ Learn Essential Phrases to Talk about Emotions in Daily Conversations /

When learning Japanese, polite expressions like “Arigatou” (Thank you) or “Sumimasen” (Excuse me) are often learned first. But being able to say things like “I’m happy!” “This is fun!” “I’m sad…” “I’m irritated!” is just as important when expressing your true feelings. In this material, you’ll learn useful phrases related to basic emotions—joy, anger, sadness, and fun—as they appear in daily conversation. You’ll also pick up tips on how to express your emotions naturally in Japanese.

喜怒哀楽(きどあいらく)

“Kidoairaku” (喜怒哀楽) means the four basic human feelings:
喜: joy (being happy), 怒: anger (being mad), 哀: sadness (feeling down), and 楽: fun (enjoying something). This word shows how people feel different emotions in daily life. It helps you understand and talk about your feelings in Japanese.

Learning Tips

In Japanese, it’s natural to express emotions gently. If you speak too strongly, it might sound harsh to others. It’s also important to show care for the other person by using polite words like “thank you” or “sorry.” Facial expressions and tone of voice help your feelings come across more clearly.

1. Let’s Talk About Happiness!

うれしいです: The word 「うれしい」 means “happy” or “glad” in English. It is commonly used to express your positive feelings when something good happens, such as receiving a compliment, getting good news, or meeting someone you like. In Japanese, emotions like happiness are often expressed simply and naturally. 「うれしい」 is typically used when you talk about how you feel.

Japanese	English
うれしいです。Ureshii desu.	I’m happy.
しあわせです。Shiawase desu.	I’m happy.
感激かんげきです。Kangeki desu.	I’m deeply moved!
最高さいこうです。Saikou desu.	This is the best!
夢ゆめみたいです。Yume mitai desu.	It feels like a dream.

2. Let’s Express “Having Fun”!

たのしいです: The word 「たのしい」 means “fun” or “enjoyable” in English. It is used to describe situations, activities, or moments that bring joy, excitement, or a good time. While 「うれしい」 expresses internal happiness, 「たのしい」 is more about enjoying the moment or the activity itself.

English	Japanese
楽たのしいです。Tanoshii desu.	I’m having fun. / This is fun.
最高さいこうです。Saikou desu.	This is the best!
ワクワクしています。Waku-waku shiteimasu.	I’m so excited!
楽たのしみです。Watashi mo warukatta desu.	I’m looking forward to it.
面白おもしろかったです。Omoshirokatta desu.	That was interesting/fun.

3. Expressing Sadness！

かなしいです: In Japanese, 「かなしい」 (kanashii) is the basic word used to express sadness. It can describe personal feelings, emotional responses to events, or sympathy for others. This word often appears in daily conversation, literature, and media. Knowing how to express sadness respectfully and appropriately helps build deeper communication and cultural understanding.

Japanese	English
悲かなしいです。Kanashii desu.	I’m sad.
寂さびしいです。Sabishii desu.	I feel lonely.
心こころが痛いたみます。Kokoro ga itamimasu.	My heart aches.
泣なきそうです。Nakisou desu.	I feel like crying.
つらいです。Tsurai desu.	It’s hard. / This is painful.

4. Anger and Frustration

おこっています: The Japanese phrase 「おこっています」 means “I’m angry” in English. It is used to express a feeling of strong displeasure, frustration, or annoyance toward someone or something. This phrase is polite and appropriate for most situations, but depending on the context, other expressions like 「腹が立ちます」 (I’m upset/angry) may also be used to describe the intensity or nuance of the emotion.

Japanese	English
怒おこっています。Okotteimasu.	I’m angry.
腹はらが立たちます。Hara ga tachimasu.	I’m pissed off.
イライラしています。Ira-ira shiteimasu.	I’m irritated.
頭あたまに来きました。Atama ni kimashita.	I’m really mad.
ムカつきました。Mukatsukimashita.	I was quite upset.

5. Feeling Anxious or Worried?

ふあんです: In Japanese, expressing worry or anxiety is common in daily communication, especially when discussing health, future plans, or uncertain situations. Phrases like 「心配です」 or 「不安です」 allow you to honestly share your feelings and connect with others who may be able to help or reassure you.

Japanese	English
不安ふあんです。Fuan desu.	I feel uneasy. / I’m anxious.
心配しんぱいです。Shinpai desu.	I’m worried.
緊張きんちょうしています。Kinchou shiteimasu.	I’m nervous.
大丈夫だいじょうぶかな。Daijyoubukana.	I wonder if things will be okay.
どうしよう。doushiyou.	What should I do?

6. Learn How to Express Surprise

びっくりしました: The phrase 「びっくりしました」 means “I was surprised” in Japanese. It is used when something unexpected or astonishing happens. This phrase can express both positive and negative surprises, depending on the situation. It’s commonly used in casual conversations, but can also appear in formal speech by adjusting the tone or using polite forms.

Japanese	English
びっくりしました。Bikkuri shmashita.	I was surprised.
驚おどろきました。Odorokimashita.	I’m surprised.
信しんじられないShinjirarenai.	I can’t believe!
まさか！Masaka!	No way!
初はじめて聞ききました。Hajimete kimimashita.	That’s the first time. / I’ve ever heard of that!

7. Learn How to Express Calmness

あんしんしました: The Japanese phrase「あんしんしました」 means “I felt relieved” or “I was reassured.” It expresses a
sense of calm or safety after worry or tension. This phrase is used when a situation turns out better
than expected, or when you hear good news that removes your concern. It is polite and commonly
used in both casual and formal settings.

Japanese	English
安心あんしんしました。Anshin shita.	I feel relieved.
ほっとしました。Hotto shimashita.	I’m relieved.
よかったです。Yokatta desu.	Thank goodness.
これで一安心ひとあんしんです。Kore de hitoanshin desu.	That was a big help.
心配しんぱいしました。Shinpai shimashita.	I was worried.