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A2 verb #2,500 am häufigsten 6 Min. Lesezeit

喜ぶ

yorokobu
At the A1 level, you should learn 'yorokobu' as a word for 'to be happy' when looking at someone else. For example, if you give a friend a candy and they smile, you can say they are 'yorokonde iru'. It is a basic action word for joy. You will often see it in the form 'yorokonde' which means 'with pleasure' when someone asks you for a small favor. Keep it simple: it's the verb for a happy reaction.
At the A2 level, you start using 'yorokobu' to describe reactions to gifts, news, or events. You should understand the difference between 'ureshii' (your feeling) and 'yorokobu' (someone's reaction). You will use the past tense 'yorokonda' to describe how people felt about things that happened. You also learn the polite 'yorokobimasu' for social situations. It's about describing the atmosphere of joy around you.
At the B1 level, you use 'yorokobu' to talk about social expectations and outcomes. You might use the causative 'yorokobaseru' (to make someone happy), which is very common when talking about family or work. You understand that 'yorokobu' can be used for groups of people, like 'the citizens rejoiced'. You also start to see it in compound phrases and more complex sentence structures involving reasons (te-form + yorokobu).
At the B2 level, you distinguish between 'yorokobu' and more formal or literary synonyms like 'shukufuku suru' or 'kangeki suru'. You use 'yorokobu' to describe market trends or public reception of abstract ideas. You are comfortable with the passive form 'yorokobareru' (to be appreciated/welcomed by others). You understand the social nuance of using this verb to maintain harmony by acknowledging others' positive reactions.
At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and literary depths of 'yorokobi' (the noun form) and 'yorokobu'. You can discuss the concept of 'joy' in literature and how 'yorokobu' is used to express profound human experiences. You recognize its use in archaic or highly formal honorific speech (Keigo). You can analyze how the word functions in complex social dynamics where expressing joy is a formal requirement.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'yorokobu' in all its forms, including its use in classical Japanese (where it might appear as 'yorokobu' but with different kanji or grammar). You can use it metaphorically and understand the subtle ironies when it's used sarcastically. You are aware of its etymological roots and can use it to express the highest levels of professional and personal sentiment with perfect register control.
Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

喜ぶ in 30 Sekunden

  • Core meaning: To be delighted or to rejoice in response to something positive.
  • Grammar: A Godan verb often used in the ~te iru form to describe someone's state.
  • Usage: Primarily for describing the visible reactions of others or for formal acceptance (Yorokonde).
  • Nuance: Focuses on the outward expression of joy, unlike 'ureshii' which is internal.

The Japanese verb 喜ぶ (yorokobu) is a fundamental expression of joy, but its usage is more nuanced than the simple English translation 'to be happy'. In Japanese, there is a distinct line between internal feelings and observable actions. While ureshii (嬉しい) describes a subjective, internal state of happiness, 喜ぶ typically refers to the outward expression of joy or the reaction to a positive event. It is a Godan verb that captures the moment someone receives good news, a gift, or experiences success and shows their delight through their demeanor or words.

Grammatical Category
Godan Verb (u-verb), Intransitive
Core Nuance
External manifestation of joy or reacting positively to a stimulus.
Social Function
Often used to describe the reactions of others (third-person) because Japanese culture avoids assuming the internal feelings of others.

「彼女はプレゼントをとても喜んでいました。」 (She was very delighted with the present.)

Understanding 喜ぶ requires looking at the kanji 喜. This character is composed of elements representing 'drum' and 'mouth', suggesting a celebration involving music and shouting for joy. Thus, the word carries an inherent sense of 'celebration' and 'rejoicing' rather than just a quiet, internal feeling. When you use this verb, you are often painting a picture of someone smiling, jumping, or expressing their gratitude warmly.

「合格の知らせを聞いて、家族みんなで喜びました。」 (Hearing the news of passing, the whole family rejoiced together.)

In professional settings, 喜ぶ transforms into more formal variants like yorokobi-itashimasu or yorokonde. The phrase yorokonde (喜んで) is a staple of Japanese hospitality and business etiquette, meaning 'with pleasure' or 'gladly'. It signals not just happiness, but a willing and enthusiastic readiness to assist or participate.

「その仕事、喜んでお引き受けします。」 (I will gladly accept that job.)

Transitive Counterpart
喜ばせる (yorokobaseru) - to make someone happy.
Common Object
Often paired with particles like を (rarely) or more commonly with the cause of joy marked by を or て-form.

「親を喜ばせるために一生懸命勉強した。」 (I studied hard to make my parents happy.)

Furthermore, 喜ぶ can be used to describe an objective benefit or a positive reception by a group. For instance, 'The market welcomed the new policy' would use a form of 喜ぶ in Japanese to indicate a positive reaction. It bridges the gap between human emotion and social/functional acceptance.

「新しい公園の建設は、住民に喜ばれている。」 (The construction of the new park is being welcomed by the residents.)

Using 喜ぶ (yorokobu) correctly involves understanding its conjugation and its relationship with other 'happiness' words. As a Godan verb, it follows the standard 'bu' ending patterns: yorokobanai (negative), yorokobimasu (polite), yorokonda (past). The most frequent form you will encounter is the ~te form, 喜んで, which functions both as a connector and an adverbial phrase meaning 'gladly'.

Structure 1: [Person] + は/が + [Cause] + を/に + 喜ぶ
Used to state that someone is delighted by something specific.
Structure 2: [Cause] + て + 喜ぶ
Using the te-form of a verb to show the reason for the joy.

「子供たちは雪を見て喜びました。」 (The children saw the snow and were delighted.)

One of the most important distinctions for learners is when to use 喜ぶ versus ureshii. Ureshii is an i-adjective used for first-person immediate feelings. You say 'Watashi wa ureshii' (I am happy). However, if you are describing your brother's reaction to a gift, you should say 'Otouto wa yorokonde iru' (My brother is delighted). This is because 喜ぶ describes the behavior of being happy, which is what we observe in others.

In a professional context, if someone asks you to do a favor, responding with 'Yorokonde!' is the gold standard. It conveys a high level of politeness and eagerness. It is much more active than simply saying 'OK' or 'Hai'. It implies that the request itself brings you joy to fulfill.

「A: 明日の会議の資料、お願いできますか？ B: はい、喜んで！」 (A: Can I ask you for the meeting materials tomorrow? B: Yes, gladly!)

You will encounter 喜ぶ in a variety of daily life scenarios, from casual family interactions to formal news broadcasts. In anime and drama, characters often use it to describe the reactions of their friends or to express their own willingness to help. In news reporting, it is used to describe public reaction to positive events, such as a local athlete winning a medal or a tax cut being announced.

In the Home
Parents describing their children's reactions to dinner or toys.
In the Office
Accepting tasks or describing a client's satisfaction with a proposal.
In Literature
Describing the profound joy of a protagonist after a long struggle.

「新製品の発売に、ファンが喜んで駆けつけた。」 (Fans joyfully rushed to the release of the new product.)

The word is also prevalent in gift-giving culture. When giving a gift, the giver might say 'Yorokonde kureru to ii n dakedo' (I hope they will be pleased with it). This focuses on the recipient's reaction as the goal of the gift. Conversely, when receiving, the recipient might express how much they 'yorokonde iru' to show appreciation.

The most frequent mistake for English speakers is using 喜ぶ to describe their own internal feeling of 'being happy' in a static way. If you just won the lottery and want to say 'I'm so happy!', you should use ureshii. If you say 'Watashi wa yorokobu', it sounds like a clinical observation of your own future reaction or a general habit, which is awkward.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Ureshii'
Using yorokobu for internal feelings instead of external reactions.
Mistake 2: Particle Errors
Using を when に is more appropriate for the target of the joy.
Mistake 3: Tense Issues
Using the plain form yorokobu when the ongoing state yorokonde iru is needed.

❌ 「私は今、とても喜ぶ。」 (I am very rejoice now. - Incorrect)
✅ 「私は今、とても嬉しい。」 (I am very happy now.)

Another mistake is forgetting that 喜ぶ is an intransitive verb. While you can 'yorokobu' a gift (purely as a reaction), if you want to say 'This gift made me happy', you must use the causative form yorokobaseru or a different structure like ureshii.

Japanese has several words for joy, each with a specific flavor. 喜ぶ is the most versatile for reactions, but others might be more precise depending on the context.

嬉しい (Ureshii)
An i-adjective for personal, internal happiness. 'I feel happy.'
楽しむ (Tanoshimu)
To enjoy an activity or process. 'I'm enjoying the party.'
祝う (Iwau)
To celebrate an event. 'Let's celebrate your birthday.'
満足する (Manzoku suru)
To be satisfied or content with a result.

「旅行を楽しむ」 (To enjoy a trip) vs 「お土産を喜ぶ」 (To be delighted by a souvenir)

There is also kan-geki suru (感激する), which means to be deeply moved or touched to the point of emotion, often used for grander experiences than just being 'delighted'. While 喜ぶ is a smile, kan-geki might be a tear of joy.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

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Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

プレゼントを喜ぶ。

To be happy with a present.

Simple verb usage.

2

彼は喜んでいます。

He is happy/delighted.

~te iru form for state.

3

「喜んで！」

With pleasure!

Set phrase for accepting.

4

みんなで喜びましょう。

Let's all rejoice.

Volitional form ~mashou.

5

犬が喜ぶ。

The dog is happy.

Describing an animal's reaction.

6

お母さんが喜んだ。

Mom was happy.

Past tense.

7

お菓子を喜んで食べる。

To eat sweets happily.

Adverbial use of te-form.

8

友達が喜ぶ顔が見たい。

I want to see my friend's happy face.

Modifying a noun.

1

手紙を読んで喜びました。

I read the letter and was delighted.

Te-form as a reason.

2

合格を家族が喜んでくれた。

My family was happy for my passing.

~te kureru (benefactive).

3

彼はそのニュースを喜ばなかった。

He was not happy with that news.

Negative past tense.

4

先生が喜ぶように頑張ります。

I will do my best so the teacher will be happy.

~youni (so that).

5

お土産をとても喜んでくれました。

They were very happy with the souvenir.

Focus on recipient's reaction.

6

新しい靴を喜んで履いている。

He is happily wearing his new shoes.

Ongoing state.

7

父は私の成功を喜んでくれた。

My father was happy about my success.

Particle 'wo' for cause.

8

みんなが喜ぶ計画を立てよう。

Let's make a plan that everyone will be happy with.

Relative clause.

1

両親を喜ばせるために、料理を作った。

I cooked to make my parents happy.

Causative form (yorokobaseru).

2

その知らせを聞いて、飛び上がって喜んだ。

Hearing that news, I jumped for joy.

Compound action.

3

彼は何を与えても喜ばない。

No matter what you give him, he isn't pleased.

~te mo (no matter what).

4

あなたの成功を心から喜びます。

I sincerely rejoice in your success.

Formal expression.

5

地域の人々に喜ばれる活動をしたい。

I want to do activities that are appreciated by local people.

Passive form (yorokobareru).

6

子供が喜ぶおもちゃを選びました。

I chose a toy that children would like.

Relative clause.

7

彼女はいつも他人の不幸を喜んでいる。

She is always rejoicing in others' misfortunes.

Negative context.

8

喜んでお手伝いさせていただきます。

I would be delighted to help you.

Humble Keigo + yorokonde.

1

市場は新政策の発表を喜んだ。

The market welcomed the announcement of the new policy.

Abstract subject (market).

2

彼が喜ぶのも無理はない。

It's no wonder that he is delighted.

~no mo muri wa nai.

3

期待以上の結果に、関係者は大いに喜んだ。

The stakeholders were greatly pleased with the results that exceeded expectations.

Adverb 'ooi ni'.

4

この寄付は多くの貧しい人々に喜ばれるだろう。

This donation will likely be welcomed by many poor people.

Passive future conjecture.

5

素直に喜べない事情がある。

There are circumstances that prevent me from simply being happy.

Potential negative form.

6

自分のことのように喜んでくれた。

They were as happy as if it were their own success.

Simile structure.

7

その提案は、喜んで受け入れられた。

The proposal was accepted with pleasure.

Passive usage.

8

彼女の回復を誰もが喜んでいる。

Everyone is rejoicing in her recovery.

Universal subject.

1

未曾有の豊作に、村中が沸き立ったように喜んだ。

The whole village rejoiced as if it were boiling over at the unprecedented harvest.

Literary simile.

2

恩師に褒められたことを、彼は終生喜びとした。

He took the praise from his former teacher as a lifelong joy.

Noun form 'yorokobi' as an object.

3

民衆の喜びようは筆舌に尽くしがたい。

The way the people rejoiced is beyond description.

~you (manner/state).

4

彼は他人の成功を素直に喜べる器の大きい人間だ。

He is a big-hearted person who can genuinely rejoice in others' success.

Character description.

5

その一報は、渇いた大地に雨が降るが如く喜ばれた。

The news was welcomed like rain falling on parched earth.

Metaphorical literary style.

6

勝利の美酒に酔い、彼らは心ゆくまで喜んだ。

Drunk on the sweet wine of victory, they rejoiced to their heart's content.

Idiomatic expression.

7

悲しみを知る者こそ、真に喜ぶことができる。

Only those who know sorrow can truly rejoice.

Philosophical statement.

8

喜んでばかりもいられない状況だ。

This is not a situation where we can just be happy.

Grammar: ~te bakari mo irarenai.

1

天にも昇る心地で、彼はその栄誉を喜んだ。

With a feeling of ascending to heaven, he rejoiced in that honor.

Hyperbolic expression.

2

万雷の拍手の中、彼は満面の笑みで喜びを爆発させた。

Amidst thunderous applause, he exploded with joy with a beaming smile.

Intense emotional description.

3

その発見は、学界全体を震撼させ、かつ喜ばせた。

The discovery shocked and delighted the entire academic world.

Formal academic context.

4

彼は喜びを内に秘め、静かに微笑んだ。

He kept his joy within and smiled quietly.

Contrast of emotion and action.

5

主君の帰還を、家臣たちは感涙にむせびながら喜んだ。

The vassals rejoiced at their lord's return, choking with tears of gratitude.

Archaic/Historical register.

6

僥倖とも言うべきこの事態を、手放しで喜ぶわけにはいかない。

We cannot afford to rejoice unconditionally at this situation, which can only be called a stroke of luck.

Critical analysis.

7

人生の機微を解する者は、小事をも喜ぶ。

One who understands the subtleties of life rejoices even in small things.

Aphorism.

8

その法案の成立は、弱者の救済として大いに喜ぶべきことである。

The passage of that bill is something that should be greatly rejoiced as a relief for the vulnerable.

Formal evaluative 'beki'.

Häufige Kollokationen

プレゼントを喜ぶ
合格を喜ぶ
成功を喜ぶ
ニュースを喜ぶ
手放しで喜ぶ
心から喜ぶ
共に喜ぶ
喜んで引き受ける
顔をほころばせて喜ぶ
飛び上がって喜ぶ

Häufige Phrasen

喜んで！ (With pleasure!)

喜ばしいニュース (Joyful news)

喜びを分かち合う (To share joy)

喜びを隠せない (Cannot hide one's joy)

天にも昇る喜び (Heavenly joy)

大喜びする (To be overjoyed)

喜びに浸る (To be immersed in joy)

喜びの声を上げる (To raise a cry of joy)

喜びに震える (To tremble with joy)

喜びを噛みしめる (To savor the joy)

Wird oft verwechselt mit

喜ぶ vs 嬉しい (ureshii)

喜ぶ vs 楽しむ (tanoshimu)

喜ぶ vs 喜ばす (yorokobasu)

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

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Leicht verwechselbar

喜ぶ vs

喜ぶ vs

喜ぶ vs

喜ぶ vs

喜ぶ vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

vs Ureshii

Ureshii is an adjective (feeling); Yorokobu is a verb (action/reaction).

Third Person

Japanese often requires 'yorokonde iru' for others because we can't 'know' their heart, only see their reaction.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'yorokobu' for first-person internal feelings.
  • Using 'yorokobu' as a transitive verb (use yorokobaseru instead).
  • Confusing 'yorokobu' with 'tanoshimu' (enjoying an activity).
  • Forgetting to use ~te iru for ongoing states of joy.
  • Mispronouncing the pitch accent (putting emphasis on the wrong syllable).

Tipps

Use it for others

Always use 'yorokobu' when describing how your friend felt about the gift you gave them.

The 'Yorokonde' response

When a boss asks you to do something, 'Yorokonde!' makes you sound much more motivated than 'Hai'.

State vs Action

Use 'yorokonde iru' for a state of being happy, and 'yorokonda' for the moment they became happy.

Noun usage

Use 'yorokobi' in writing to sound more sophisticated, e.g., 'yorokobi wo kanjiru'.

Gift Etiquette

Even if you don't like a gift, showing that you 'yorokobu' is important for Japanese social harmony.

Intonation

The pitch drops after 'ko', so practice saying yo-RO-ko-bu.

Kanji Practice

The kanji 喜 is common in names and auspicious signs, so learn to recognize it.

Context Clues

If you hear 'yorokonde', look for the request that preceded it.

Avoid for self

Don't say 'Watashi wa yorokobu' to mean 'I am happy'. Stick to 'Ureshii'.

Passive form

Use 'yorokobareru' to describe things that are 'well-received' by the public.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a person beating a drum (壴) and shouting with their mouth (口) because they are so 'yorokobu' (delighted).

Wortherkunft

Kultureller Kontext

'Yorokonde' is a key phrase for showing a positive attitude toward work.

Showing 'yorokobi' is the most important part of receiving a gift.

Public joy is often restrained compared to Western cultures, but 'yorokobu' is the verb used when that restraint is broken by good news.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"「最近、何か喜んだことはありますか？」 (Has anything made you happy recently?)"

"「プレゼント、喜んでくれるといいですね。」 (I hope they like the present, don't you?)"

"「合格したって聞いたら、ご両親も喜ぶでしょう？」 (If they hear you passed, your parents will be happy, right?)"

"「このニュース、みんな喜ぶと思いますか？」 (Do you think everyone will be happy with this news?)"

"「喜んで手伝いますよ。何から始めましょうか？」 (I'll gladly help. Where should we start?)"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、一番喜んだ出来事は何ですか？ (What was the thing you were most delighted about today?)

誰かを喜ばせるために何ができますか？ (What can you do to make someone happy?)

最近、友達が喜んでいた理由は何ですか？ (Why was your friend happy recently?)

「喜んで」引き受けられる仕事は何ですか？ (What kind of work can you accept 'with pleasure'?)

子供の頃、何をして喜びましたか？ (What did you do to rejoice when you were a child?)

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is grammatically correct but sounds like a general statement or a future prediction. To say 'I am happy now', use 'Ureshii desu'.

Yorokobu is a reaction to an event or gift. Tanoshimu is the act of having fun during an activity.

Yes, it is very polite and commonly used in business to mean 'I'd be happy to'.

You can say 'Anata wo yorokobasetai desu'.

Usually 'wo' (e.g., news wo yorokobu) or 'ni' (e.g., success ni yorokobu), or the te-form of a verb.

Yes, it is very common to describe a dog or cat's happy reaction.

The noun form is 'yorokobi', meaning joy or happiness.

Usually no, unless it's 'schadenfreude' (rejoicing in others' misfortune), but that is a negative character trait.

It means 'great joy' or 'being overjoyed'.

No, it is intransitive. The transitive version is 'yorokobaseru'.

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