Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adjective #800 le plus courant 7 min de lecture

楽しい

tanoshii Top 800

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 楽しい en 30 secondes

Explication 楽しい in your Level:

At the A1 level, '楽しい' (tanoshii) is one of the first adjectives you learn to express your feelings. You use it in its simplest form to say 'It's fun!' (楽しいです) or 'It was fun!' (楽しかったです). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex nuances. If you are playing a game, eating with friends, or watching a parade, and you feel good, 'tanoshii' is your go-to word. You will mostly use it to describe activities like 'ryokou' (travel), 'paatii' (party), or 'geemu' (game). It's important to remember that it's an 'i-adjective', so you just add 'desu' to make it polite. You will also learn the basic negative form 'tanoshiku nai' to say something isn't fun. This word helps you participate in basic social interactions by sharing your positive reactions with others. For example, when a teacher asks 'How was your weekend?', you can simply say 'Tanoshikatta desu!' to convey a successful and happy time. This level focuses on the immediate, physical sense of enjoyment.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you begin to use '楽しい' (tanoshii) to describe not just events, but also people and environments. You might say 'tanoshii hito' (a fun person) or 'tanoshii machi' (a fun town). You also start using adverbs, changing 'tanoshii' to 'tanoshiku' to describe *how* you do things, such as 'tanoshiku hanasu' (to talk enjoyably). You will learn to distinguish 'tanoshii' from 'omoshiroi' (interesting) and 'ureshii' (happy/glad). At A2, you are expected to conjugate the adjective correctly into the past and negative forms in both casual and polite speech. You might also start using degree adverbs like 'totemo' (very) or 'sukoshi' (a little) to refine your descriptions. You'll use 'tanoshii' to talk about hobbies and daily routines, expressing a more consistent state of being. For instance, 'Mainichi tanoshii desu' (Every day is fun) suggests a general sense of well-being in your current life situation. You also begin to use the '-te' form 'tanoshikute' to link ideas, such as 'Tanoshikute jikan o wasuremashita' (It was so fun I forgot the time).

At the B1 level, your use of '楽しい' (tanoshii) becomes more nuanced as you explore the emotional depth of the word. You understand that 'tanoshii' is a subjective internal state and you start using it to describe more abstract concepts, like a 'tanoshii katei' (a happy/pleasant home) or a 'tanoshii shokuba' (a pleasant workplace). You can use it in conditional sentences, such as 'Tanoshikereba, nani o shite mo ii desu' (As long as it's fun, you can do anything). You also begin to recognize the word in more varied grammatical structures, like 'tanoshii dake ja nai' (it's not just fun), which allows you to express complex opinions about work or study. At this level, you are also introduced to the noun form 'tanoshimi' (pleasure/anticipation) and the verb 'tanoshimu' (to enjoy). You can now distinguish between the adjective 'tanoshii' (the state of being fun) and the verb 'tanoshimu' (the action of enjoying something). This allows for more sophisticated storytelling and personal reflection in your Japanese.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B2 level, you use '楽しい' (tanoshii) to discuss social dynamics and cultural values. You might analyze why a certain festival is 'tanoshii' for the community, or how the concept of 'fun' differs between cultures. You are comfortable using the word in formal writing, perhaps contrasting it with 'kurushii' (painful) to discuss the balance of life. You understand idiomatic expressions and can use 'tanoshii' in more complex rhetorical ways. For example, you might use it ironically or to describe a 'bittersweet' fun. You also master the use of 'tanoshii' in relative clauses, such as 'Watashi ga ichiban tanoshii to omou toki wa...' (The time when I think it's most fun is...). Your vocabulary expands to include formal synonyms like 'yukai' or 'man'etsu', and you know exactly when to use 'tanoshii' versus these more specialized terms. You can also discuss the psychological aspect of 'tanoshii'—how it relates to flow states or intrinsic motivation in a learning or work environment.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, you have a deep appreciation for the etymological and literary weight of '楽しい' (tanoshii). You can discuss its origins in the word 'ta-noshi' (hand-stretching/dancing) and how it relates to ancient Japanese concepts of communal joy and ritual. You use the word with precision in academic or professional critiques, perhaps discussing the 'tanoshisa' (fun-ness) of a user interface or a literary work's tone. You are capable of using the word in highly formal contexts, such as 'Goshuunou no tanoshii...' (The joy of your visit...), though such uses are rare and specific. You can also identify the word's use in classical poetry or older literature where its meaning might slightly shift toward 'prosperous' or 'abundant'. Your ability to use 'tanoshii' includes understanding its role in 'Amae' (dependency) and social harmony, where expressing fun is a social obligation to maintain the 'wa' (harmony) of the group. You can navigate the subtle boundaries between 'tanoshii' and other aesthetic categories like 'okashi' or 'aware'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like command of '楽しい' (tanoshii), including its most subtle connotations in various dialects and historical registers. You can use the word to create specific stylistic effects in creative writing, perhaps playing with its phonetic qualities or its contrast with more modern slang. You understand the philosophical implications of 'tanoshii' in Japanese thought, such as the 'asobi' (play) element in Zen or traditional arts. You can effortlessly switch between the casual 'tanoshii!' of a child and the sophisticated, understated 'tanoshimi' of a tea master. Your mastery allows you to use the word in puns, complex metaphors, and as a tool for social commentary. You can analyze the evolution of 'fun' in Japanese society through the lens of this word, from the 'hare' (extraordinary/festive) days of the past to the 'tanoshii' of the modern consumerist era. You are a master of the word's prosody, using pitch accent and intonation to convey layers of meaning—from genuine excitement to polite social grease to biting sarcasm.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

楽しい en 30 secondes

Tanoshii is a Japanese i-adjective meaning 'fun' or 'enjoyable', primarily used to describe personal feelings during an activity.
It conjugates like all i-adjectives: tanoshii (present), tanoshikatta (past), tanoshiku nai (negative), and tanoshiku (adverb).
Unlike 'omoshiroi' (interesting/funny), 'tanoshii' is strictly about the subjective emotional joy of the person experiencing the event.
It is a key word for social bonding in Japan, often used to express appreciation for shared time and activities.

The Japanese word 楽しい (たのしい - tanoshii) is a quintessential i-adjective used to describe a state of subjective enjoyment, fun, or pleasantness derived from an ongoing activity or a general atmosphere. Unlike English where 'fun' can be a noun or an adjective, tanoshii functions strictly as an adjective in Japanese, describing the internal emotional response of the speaker to an external stimulus. It is most commonly used when the speaker is currently experiencing joy or reflecting on a period of time that was filled with positive engagement.

Subjective Experience: Tanoshii is inherently personal. When you say something is 'tanoshii', you are expressing that YOU are having a good time. It is less about the objective quality of the event and more about your heart's reaction to it.
Duration: This word usually refers to a continuous state. A party, a vacation, or a hobby is 'tanoshii' because the enjoyment lasts for the duration of the event.

昨日のパーティーはとても楽しかったです。
(Yesterday's party was very fun.)

In social contexts, Japanese speakers often use tanoshii to build rapport. Sharing that an experience is 'tanoshii' signals to others that you are comfortable and happy in their presence. It is a 'wa' (harmony) building word. If you are at a dinner and someone asks 'How is it?', answering with 'Tanoshii desu!' focuses on the atmosphere and the company, rather than just the food.

日本語の勉強は楽しいですか？
(Is studying Japanese fun?)

Atmospheric Use: You can describe a place as 'tanoshii basho' (a fun place). This implies the place is filled with energy and positive vibes.

Historically, the word has roots in the idea of 'stretching' or 'expanding' one's heart. When you are 'tanoshii', your spirit is unburdened and expansive. This is why it is often contrasted with 'kurushii' (painful/suffocating), where the heart feels constricted. Understanding this spatial metaphor helps in grasping why 'tanoshii' is used for hobbies and leisure—activities that allow the self to expand beyond daily chores and stress.

毎日楽しく過ごしています。
(I am spending every day enjoyably/happily.)

As an i-adjective, 楽しい follows standard conjugation patterns. Mastering these is crucial for expressing past enjoyment or negative experiences. The base form ends in 'i', which is replaced or modified depending on the tense and formality.

Present Affirmative: 楽しい (Tanoshii) - It is fun. Add 'desu' for politeness: 楽しいです。
Present Negative: 楽しくない (Tanoshiku nai) - It is not fun. Politeness: 楽しくないです or 楽しくありません。
Past Affirmative: 楽しかった (Tanoshikatta) - It was fun. Politeness: 楽しかったです。
Past Negative: 楽しくなかった (Tanoshiku nakatta) - It was not fun. Politeness: 楽しくなかったです。

このゲームはあまり楽しくないです。
(This game is not very fun.)

When modifying a noun, simply place tanoshii before the noun. For example, 'a fun trip' is 楽しい旅行 (tanoshii ryokou). To use it as an adverb (to do something 'funly' or 'happily'), change the final 'i' to 'ku'. For example, 'to play happily' is 楽しく遊ぶ (tanoshiku asobu).

みんなで楽しく歌いましょう！
(Let's all sing happily together!)

In complex sentences, you can use the '-te' form 楽しくて (tanoshikute) to connect reasons or multiple adjectives. For instance, 'It was fun and I was happy' would be 楽しくて、嬉しかったです (Tanoshikute, ureshikatta desu). This form is also used to express cause: 'Because it was fun, I want to go again' (楽しくて、また行きたいです).

仕事が楽しくてたまりません。
(My work is so fun I can't stand it / I love my work.)

Degree Adverbs: Use 'totemo' (very), 'sugoku' (extremely), or 'chotto' (a little) to modify the intensity. 'Sugoku tanoshii!' is very common in casual speech.

You will encounter 楽しい everywhere in Japan, from the neon lights of Akihabara to the quiet conversations in a Kyoto tea house. It is a staple of daily life. In media, it is frequently used in travel shows (tabi-bangumi) where hosts visit various locations and exclaim how 'tanoshii' the experience is to encourage viewers to visit.

「わあ、これ楽しい！」
(Wow, this is fun! - Common reaction in variety shows)

In the workplace, while 'tanoshii' might seem too casual, it is used during 'nomikai' (drinking parties) or team-building events. It signifies that the social friction is low and the team is bonding well. A manager might say, 'Tanoshiku yarimashou' (Let's do this enjoyably/with a good spirit) to motivate staff without being overly authoritative.

Social Media (SNS): On Instagram or Twitter (X), you'll see hashtags like #楽しい時間 (tanoshii jikan - fun time) or #楽しかった (tanoshikatta - was fun) accompanying photos of food, friends, or travel.
Education: Teachers use it to encourage students. 'Tanoshiku manabu' (learning enjoyably) is a major philosophy in modern Japanese elementary education.

In anime and manga, 'tanoshii' is often the goal of the protagonist's journey, especially in 'slice of life' genres. Characters strive for a 'tanoshii gakuen seikatsu' (fun school life). It represents the ideal state of youth—free from the 'kurushii' (painful) realities of adult responsibility. When a character says 'Tanoshii na...' while looking at a sunset with friends, it carries a weight of deep contentment and appreciation for the moment.

「楽しい思い出をたくさん作りましょう。」
(Let's make many fun memories.)

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing 楽しい (tanoshii) with 面白い (omoshiroi). While both can translate to 'fun' in English, their nuances are distinct in Japanese.

Tanoshii vs. Omoshiroi: 'Tanoshii' is about emotional joy and 'having a good time' (subjective). 'Omoshiroi' means 'interesting', 'funny', or 'fascinating' (objective/intellectual). A math problem can be 'omoshiroi' but rarely 'tanoshii' unless you truly love the process.

❌ この映画は楽しいです。
✅ この映画は面白いです。
(Usually, movies are 'omoshiroi' because they are interesting/funny, not 'tanoshii' unless the experience of watching it with friends was the fun part.)

Another common error is the confusion between 楽しい and 嬉しい (ureshii). 'Ureshii' is the joy you feel when something good happens to you (like receiving a gift or passing an exam). It is a momentary 'happy' feeling. 'Tanoshii' is the 'fun' you have during an activity.

Grammatically, beginners often treat tanoshii like a noun. You cannot say 'Tanoshii desu kara' to mean 'Because it's fun' in the same way you use nouns. While 'Tanoshii desu kara' is actually okay because it's an adjective, beginners often try to add 'no' or 'na' incorrectly. For example, 'Tanoshii na hito' is wrong; it should be 'Tanoshii hito' (a fun person).

❌ 楽しいだ。
✅ 楽しい。
(Never use 'da' directly after an i-adjective in the present tense.)

The 'Tanoshii' Trap in Invitations: When inviting someone, don't say 'Tanoshii desu ka?' (Is it fun?). Instead, use 'Tanoshimi desu ka?' (Are you looking forward to it?). 'Tanoshii' describes the state of *already* having fun.

While 楽しい is the go-to word for 'fun', Japanese offers several alternatives that specify the *type* of fun or the *intensity* of the enjoyment. Choosing the right one makes your Japanese sound more natural and nuanced.

面白い (Omoshiroi): Focuses on interest, humor, or novelty. Use this for books, movies, and jokes. If a game is 'omoshiroi', it has good mechanics. If it's 'tanoshii', you are enjoying playing it.
愉快 (Yukai): A more formal or literary word for 'pleasant' or 'cheerful'. It often describes a person's character or a lighthearted atmosphere. 'Yukai na nakama' (cheerful companions).
喜ばしい (Yorokobashii): Used for 'joyful' or 'gratifying' news. It is much more formal than 'tanoshii' and is often used in speeches or formal writing to describe a happy event for a group or society.

それはとても喜ばしいニュースですね。
(That is very joyful news, isn't it? - Formal)

For a more slangy or youthful feel, you might hear 「アゲアゲ」 (age-age) which refers to a high-energy, 'hyped' kind of fun, or 「充実している」 (juujitsu shite iru), which means 'fulfilling'. While 'tanoshii' is about the feeling, 'juujitsu' is about the quality of the time spent.

楽観的 (Rakkanteki): Optimistic. While not 'fun' per se, it describes a person who finds the 'tanoshii' side of life easily.

In professional settings, instead of saying a project is 'tanoshii', you might use やりがいがある (yarigai ga aru), which means 'worth doing' or 'rewarding'. This conveys that while it might be hard, the process is satisfying—a more mature version of 'fun'.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Because the root involves 'stretching hands', it literally describes the physical expression of being so happy you want to dance!

Guide de prononciation

UK /tə.nɒ.ʃiː/

US /tɑ.noʊ.ʃi/

In Japanese, 'tanoshii' has a 'Heiban' (Flat) pitch accent or sometimes a slight drop after 'no'. Usually: Low-High-High-High.

Rime avec

Kanashii (Sad) Ureshii (Happy) Sabishii (Lonely) Oishii (Delicious) Suzushii (Cool) Yasashii (Kind) Kibishii (Strict) Atarashii (New)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'shi' as 'si'.
Making the final 'i' too short.
Stressing the 'no' too heavily like English 'ta-NO-shii'.
Confusing the pitch with 'tanoshimi'.
Mumbling the 'u' sound if it were present (there is no 'u' in tanoshii).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji 楽 is common but has multiple readings (raku, gaku, tanoshii).

Écriture 3/5

The kanji 楽 has 13 strokes and requires careful balance.

Expression orale 1/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in daily conversation.

Écoute 1/5

Distinct sound, easy to pick out in a sentence.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

いい (Good) です (Is) 私 (I) する (To do) パーティー (Party)

Apprends ensuite

面白い (Interesting) 嬉しい (Happy) 悲しい (Sad) つまらない (Boring) 楽しみ (Anticipation)

Avancé

愉快 (Pleasant) 喜ばしい (Joyful) 享楽的 (Hedonistic) 安楽死 (Euthanasia - uses the same kanji) 楽観的 (Optimistic)

Grammaire à connaître

I-adjective conjugation

楽しい -> 楽しかった (Past), 楽しくない (Negative)

Adverbial form (-ku)

楽しく遊ぶ (To play enjoyably)

Noun form (-sa)

楽しさを共有する (To share the fun-ness)

Connecting with -te form

楽しくて、帰りたくない (It's fun, and/so I don't want to go home)

Exclamatory 'na'

楽しいな！ (How fun!)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

今日はとても楽しいです。

Today is very fun.

Present polite form of an i-adjective.

昨日のパーティーは楽しかった！

Yesterday's party was fun!

Past casual form: drop -i and add -katta.

このゲームは楽しいですか？

Is this game fun?

Question form using 'desu ka'.

日本語のクラスは楽しいです。

Japanese class is fun.

Subject (Class) + wa + Adjective.

あまり楽しくないです。

It's not very fun.

Negative polite form: drop -i and add -ku nai desu.

楽しい週末を！

Have a fun weekend!

Attributive use (modifying 'weekend').

歌を歌うのは楽しいです。

Singing songs is fun.

Nominalizing a verb with 'no wa'.

海は楽しいね。

The ocean is fun, isn't it?

Sentence ending particle 'ne' for agreement.

楽しい音楽を聞きましょう。

Let's listen to some fun music.

Adjective modifying the noun 'ongaku'.

彼はとても楽しい人です。

He is a very fun person.

Describing a person's personality.

毎日を楽しく過ごしたいです。

I want to spend every day enjoyably.

Adverbial form 'tanoshiku' modifying 'sugoshitai'.

旅行は楽しくなかったです。

The trip was not fun.

Past negative polite form.

みんなで楽しく食べました。

We all ate together enjoyably.

Adverbial use to describe the manner of an action.

仕事は大変ですが、楽しいです。

Work is hard, but it's fun.

Using 'ga' to connect contrasting clauses.

もっと楽しいことをしましょう。

Let's do something more fun.

Comparative 'motto' + adjective.

楽しくて、帰りたくありません。

It's so fun, I don't want to go home.

-te form expressing a reason/cause.

楽しいばかりの人生ではありません。

Life isn't all just fun.

Using 'bakari' to mean 'nothing but'.

子供たちが楽しく遊んでいるのを見ました。

I saw the children playing happily.

Adverbial 'tanoshiku' within a perception clause.

この仕事には楽しい面もたくさんあります。

There are many fun aspects to this job as well.

Modifying the abstract noun 'men' (aspect/side).

どんなに忙しくても、楽しい時間は必要です。

No matter how busy you are, fun time is necessary.

Conditional 'donna ni...temo'.

彼は楽しい思い出を語ってくれました。

He told me about his fun memories.

Compound idea 'tanoshii omoide'.

映画が楽しくて、三回も見ました。

The movie was so fun that I watched it three times.

-te form indicating degree/result.

楽しいはずの旅行が台無しになった。

The trip that was supposed to be fun was ruined.

Using 'hazu' to express expectation.

一人でいるより、みんなといる方が楽しい。

It's more fun to be with everyone than to be alone.

Comparison using 'yori' and 'hou ga'.

楽しい雰囲気作りに努めています。

I am striving to create a fun atmosphere.

Modifying 'fun'iki-zukuri' (atmosphere creation).

人生を楽しくするかどうかは自分次第だ。

Whether you make life fun or not depends on yourself.

Using 'suru' to mean 'to make (something) adjective'.

苦労した分、成功した時の楽しさは格別だ。

The fun/joy of succeeding is exceptional in proportion to the hard work put in.

Noun form 'tanoshisa' (fun-ness/joy).

彼は周囲を楽しい気分にさせる天才だ。

He is a genius at making those around him feel fun/happy.

Causative-like structure 'kibun ni saseru'.

単に楽しいだけでなく、学びも多い経験だった。

It was an experience that was not just fun, but also very educational.

'Tanoshii dake de naku' (Not only fun).

一見楽しそうに見えるが、実は大変な仕事だ。

It looks fun at first glance, but it's actually a tough job.

Using 'sou' (looks like) with an adjective.

楽しい時間はあっという間に過ぎてしまう。

Fun times pass by in the blink of an eye.

Common idiomatic observation.

彼は楽しい冗談で座を和ませた。

He eased the tension of the room with a fun joke.

Using 'tanoshii' to describe social lubricant.

古き良き時代の、楽しいお祭り騒ぎを思い出す。

I recall the fun festive commotions of the good old days.

Literary/nostalgic context.

知的好奇心を刺激される、実に楽しい講義だった。

It was a truly enjoyable lecture that stimulated my intellectual curiosity.

High-level academic/intellectual 'fun'.

楽しいばかりが人生の目的ではないという意見もある。

There is an opinion that fun is not the only purpose of life.

Philosophical discussion of 'tanoshii'.

彼女の書く文章は、リズムがあって読んでいて楽しい。

The sentences she writes have rhythm and are fun to read.

Describing aesthetic pleasure.

その場しのぎの楽しさよりも、持続的な幸福を求めるべきだ。

One should seek sustainable happiness rather than makeshift fun.

Contrasting 'tanoshisa' with 'koufuku' (happiness).

彼は皮肉を込めて「楽しいパーティーだね」と呟いた。

He muttered sarcastically, 'What a fun party.'

Irony and tone.

万葉集には、酒を飲む楽しさを詠んだ歌も多い。

In the Man'yoshu, there are many poems that describe the joy of drinking sake.

Historical/literary reference.

遊びの中にこそ、真の楽しい学びが隠されている。

It is precisely within play that true, fun learning is hidden.

Emphatic 'koso' structure.

人生の荒波を、いかに楽しく乗り越えるかが肝要である。

The essential thing is how to enjoyably overcome the rough seas of life.

Metaphorical and philosophical usage.

彼は世俗的な成功を捨て、風雅を愛でる楽しい隠遁生活に入った。

He abandoned worldly success and entered a pleasant life of seclusion, appreciating elegance.

Archaic/literary 'tanoshii' as 'pleasant/content'.

その演出は、観客を飽きさせない楽しい仕掛けに満ちていた。

The production was full of fun gimmicks that never let the audience get bored.

Critique of artistic production.

悲劇の中にも、どこか楽しい滑稽さが漂っている作品だ。

It is a work where, even within tragedy, a somewhat fun absurdity drifts.

Advanced literary analysis.

彼は自らの不運さえも、楽しい笑い話に変えてしまう強さを持っていた。

He had the strength to turn even his own misfortunes into fun, funny stories.

Characterizing resilience through 'tanoshii'.

伝統芸能の「型」を学ぶことは、本来、魂の楽しい躍動であるはずだ。

Learning the 'kata' of traditional arts should, by nature, be a fun throbbing of the soul.

Spiritual/Artistic discourse.

都会の喧騒を離れ、田園での楽しいひとときに身を委ねる。

Leaving the city's bustle, I surrender myself to a pleasant moment in the countryside.

High-register descriptive prose.

言葉遊びの極致とも言える、楽しい言語空間がそこにはあった。

There existed a fun linguistic space that could be called the pinnacle of wordplay.

Abstract conceptualization.

Collocations courantes

楽しい時間

楽しい思い出

楽しい雰囲気

楽しい生活

楽しい計画

楽しい仲間

楽しい会話

楽しい音楽

楽しい食事

楽しいイベント

Phrases Courantes

楽しみにしています

— I am looking forward to it. (Literally: I am making it a pleasure).

来週のパーティーを楽しみにしています。

楽しんでください

— Please have fun / Enjoy yourself.

旅行、楽しんできてくださいね！

楽しかったね

— That was fun, wasn't it? Used to share a positive experience.

今日のデート、楽しかったね。

楽しくやろう

— Let's do it in a fun way / Let's have a good time doing this.

仕事も楽しくやろうよ。

楽しいひととき

— A pleasant moment / A fun short period of time.

楽しいひとときをありがとうございました。

楽しいこと

— Fun things / Something fun.

何か楽しいことはないかな。

楽しい気分

— A fun mood / A cheerful feeling.

お酒を飲んで楽しい気分になった。

楽しい場所

— A fun place.

ここは子供にとって楽しい場所だ。

楽しい毎日

— Fun every day / A happy daily life.

楽しい毎日を送りたい。

楽しい笑い声

— Fun/cheerful laughter.

隣の部屋から楽しい笑い声が聞こえる。

Souvent confondu avec

楽しい vs 面白い (Omoshiroi)

Omoshiroi is 'interesting' or 'funny'. Tanoshii is 'fun' (emotional joy).

楽しい vs 嬉しい (Ureshii)

Ureshii is 'happy' because of a specific event or gift. Tanoshii is 'fun' during an activity.

楽しい vs 楽しみ (Tanoshimi)

Tanoshimi is a noun meaning 'pleasure' or 'anticipation'. Tanoshii is the adjective.

Expressions idiomatiques

"楽あれば苦あり"

— Where there is pleasure, there is pain. (Life has its ups and downs).

楽あれば苦あり。今の苦労もいつか報われる。

Proverb

"楽しい時を過ごす"

— To spend a fun time / To have a good time.

家族と楽しい時を過ごした。

Standard

"楽しみが尽きない"

— The fun/pleasure never ends.

この趣味は楽しみが尽きない。

Neutral

"楽しみに待つ"

— To wait with anticipation/pleasure.

返事を楽しみに待っています。

Polite

"楽しい夢を見る"

— To have a pleasant dream.

おやすみなさい。楽しい夢を見てね。

Casual

"楽しくてたまらない"

— So fun one can't help it / Extremely fun.

スキーが楽しくてたまらない。

Informal

"楽しい思い出作り"

— Making fun memories.

夏休みは楽しい思い出作りをしよう。

Neutral

"楽しい我が家"

— Home sweet home (A pleasant home).

やっぱり楽しい我が家が一番だ。

Literary

"楽しい余生"

— A pleasant remainder of one's life (retirement).

引退後は田舎で楽しい余生を送るつもりだ。

Formal

"楽しいお喋り"

— Fun chatter / Pleasant talk.

彼女との楽しいお喋りで時間が過ぎた。

Neutral

Facile à confondre

楽しい vs 面白い

Both translate to 'fun' in English.

Omoshiroi is an intellectual or humorous reaction to an object. Tanoshii is an emotional reaction to an experience.

この映画は面白い (The movie is interesting/funny). このパーティーは楽しい (The party is fun).

楽しい vs 嬉しい

Both translate to 'happy' or 'glad'.

Ureshii is for receiving something good. Tanoshii is for doing something fun.

プレゼントをもらって嬉しい (Happy to get a gift). テニスをして楽しい (Fun to play tennis).

楽しい vs 愉快

Both mean 'pleasant' or 'fun'.

Yukai is more formal and often describes a person's character or a lighthearted scene.

愉快な人 (A jolly/pleasant person).

楽しい vs 楽 (Raku)

Same kanji.

Raku (na-adjective) means 'easy', 'comfortable', or 'effortless'. Tanoshii is 'fun'.

この仕事は楽だ (This job is easy/low effort).

楽しい vs 楽しみ

Same root.

Tanoshimi is a noun or used as 'looking forward to'. Tanoshii is the state of having fun now.

明日が楽しみだ (I'm looking forward to tomorrow).

Structures de phrases

[Noun] は楽しいです。

ゲームは楽しいです。

[Noun] は楽しかったです。

旅行は楽しかったです。

[Verb-Dictionary] のは楽しいです。

泳ぐのは楽しいです。

楽しく [Verb]。

楽しく歌いましょう。

楽しい [Noun] を過ごす。

楽しい週末を過ごしました。

楽しくて [Result]。

楽しくて、時間を忘れました。

[Noun] を楽しみにする。

明日を楽しみにしています。

楽しいばかりか [Addition]。

楽しいばかりか、ためになる本だ。

Famille de mots

Noms

楽しさ (Tanoshisa) - Fun-ness/Degree of fun

楽しみ (Tanoshimi) - Pleasure/Anticipation

享楽 (Kyouraku) - Enjoyment/Pleasure-seeking

Verbes

楽しむ (Tanoshimu) - To enjoy

楽しませる (Tanoshimaseru) - To entertain/make someone have fun

Adjectifs

楽しい (Tanoshii) - Fun

楽しげな (Tanoshigena) - Seemingly fun/cheerful

Apparenté

娯楽 (Goraku) - Entertainment

趣味 (Shumi) - Hobby

遊び (Asobi) - Play

愉快 (Yukai) - Pleasant

面白 (Omoshiro) - Interesting

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation, media, and social interactions.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'tanoshii' for a movie. → この映画は面白い (Kono eiga wa omoshiroi).
Movies are generally 'interesting' or 'funny' (omoshiroi). 'Tanoshii' implies you had fun *doing* the activity of watching, which is less common unless you're emphasizing the social outing.
Saying 'tanoshii deshita' for the past tense. → 楽しかったです (Tanoshikatta desu).
I-adjectives must be conjugated to the '-katta' form for the past tense. You cannot just add 'deshita' to the present form like you do with nouns or na-adjectives.
Using 'tanoshii' when you receive a gift. → 嬉しいです (Ureshii desu).
'Tanoshii' is for an ongoing fun activity. 'Ureshii' is for the happiness felt when something good happens to you, like receiving a gift or good news.
Saying 'tanoshii da'. → 楽しい (Tanoshii) or 楽しいです (Tanoshii desu).
I-adjectives never take 'da' in the present tense. This is a fundamental rule of Japanese grammar that beginners often forget because they treat all adjectives like nouns.
Confusing 'tanoshii' and 'tanoshimi'. → 明日が楽しみです (Ashita ga tanoshimi desu).
If you want to say 'I'm looking forward to tomorrow', use the noun 'tanoshimi'. 'Ashita wa tanoshii' means 'Tomorrow is (already) fun', which doesn't make sense if tomorrow hasn't happened yet.

Astuces

Avoid 'Tanoshii Da'

One of the most common beginner mistakes is saying 'Tanoshii da'. Remember that i-adjectives like 'tanoshii' already contain the 'is' meaning. You can say 'Tanoshii' (casual) or 'Tanoshii desu' (polite), but 'da' is grammatically incorrect after an i-adjective in the present tense. This rule applies to all i-adjectives like 'oishii' or 'samui'.

Use 'Tanoshii' to Show Appreciation

In Japan, saying 'Tanoshikatta desu' (It was fun) after an outing or event is a crucial social signal. It tells the other person that you enjoyed their company and that the time they spent with you was valuable. Even if the event was just okay, saying it was 'tanoshii' helps maintain social harmony and ensures future invitations.

Distinguish from 'Omoshiroi'

Always ask yourself: Is this fun because I'm emotionally enjoying the activity (tanoshii), or is it fun because it's interesting, funny, or clever (omoshiroi)? Movies and books are almost always 'omoshiroi'. Playing a sport or going to a festival is 'tanoshii'. If you use 'tanoshii' for a book, it sounds like the act of holding the book and turning pages was fun, which is a bit strange!

The 'Shii' Sound

Make sure to extend the final 'i' sound. It's 'ta-no-shii', not 'ta-no-shi'. In Japanese, vowel length changes the meaning of words. While there isn't a common word 'tanoshi', clipping the end makes you sound less natural. Think of it like the 'ee' in 'bee'—hold it for a split second longer than you think.

The Future 'Fun'

If you want to say 'It will be fun', you can just use 'Tanoshii desu yo' or 'Tanoshimi desu'. Japanese doesn't have a future tense like English. To express anticipation, 'Tanoshimi desu' (I'm looking forward to it) is the most natural choice. Using 'Tanoshii' for the future can sound like you are already experiencing the fun.

Adverbial Magic

Don't forget the adverb form 'tanoshiku'. It's a great way to describe how you live or work. 'Tanoshiku hataraku' (to work enjoyably) or 'Tanoshiku kurasu' (to live happily). It shifts the focus from the activity being fun to the *way* you are performing the activity, which sounds very positive and proactive.

Seasonal Fun

Japanese people love to associate 'tanoshii' with seasonal events. Mentioning 'Natsu-yasumi wa tanoshikatta' (Summer vacation was fun) or 'O-shougatsu wa tanoshii' (New Year is fun) is a standard conversation topic. Using 'tanoshii' in the context of seasons shows you understand the Japanese appreciation for the passing of time and festive traditions.

Kanji vs. Hiragana

While '楽しい' is the standard way to write it, you will sometimes see it in hiragana 'たのしい' in children's books or to create a softer, more friendly feeling. In most adult contexts, use the kanji '楽'. It's the same kanji used in 'ongaku' (music - 音楽), which is a great way to remember it—music is fun!

Tanoshii vs. Ureshii

Remember: 'Ureshii' is a reaction to an event (I'm happy I won!). 'Tanoshii' is the feeling during an event (I'm having fun playing!). If you get a promotion, you are 'ureshii'. If you enjoy your new job's daily tasks, the job is 'tanoshii'. Keeping this distinction clear will make your Japanese sound much more advanced.

SNS Style

On social media, you'll often see '楽しすぎ' (tanoshi-sugi), which means 'too much fun' or 'so much fun'. It's a very common way for young people to exaggerate their enjoyment. You can also use '楽しかったー' with a long dash to show excitement. These small additions help you fit in with native speakers online.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Tanoshii' as 'Tanning on a Sheet'. If you are tanning on a sheet at the beach, you are having a 'tan-on-sheet' (tanoshii) fun time!

Association visuelle

Visualize a group of people dancing in a circle with their arms stretched out wide (the original meaning of the word).

Word Web

Party Game Smile Friends Holiday Hobby Laughter Music

Défi

Try to say 'Tanoshii!' every time you do something you like today, whether it's drinking coffee or watching a video.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Old Japanese word 'ta-noshi'. The 'ta' (手) refers to hands, and 'noshi' (伸) refers to stretching or extending.

Sens originel : The original image was of people stretching out their hands and dancing in joy during a festival or ritual.

Japonic / Old Japanese.

Contexte culturel

Avoid using 'tanoshii' in somber or highly formal business negotiations where 'meaningful' (yuueki) or 'productive' (seisanteki) is more appropriate.

English speakers often use 'fun' to describe a movie or a book, but Japanese speakers prefer 'omoshiroi' (interesting) for those. 'Tanoshii' is more about the 'vibe' of the activity.

The song 'Tanoshii Hinamatsuri' (A Fun Doll Festival), a famous children's song. The phrase 'Tanoshii Gakuen Seikatsu' often used in anime titles. Moomin Valley is often described as a 'Tanoshii' place in Japanese translations.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Party

パーティーは楽しいですね。
楽しんでいますか？
すごく楽しい！
楽しい時間をありがとう。

Talking about Hobbies

テニスは楽しいです。
料理をするのは楽しいですよ。
何が一番楽しいですか？
楽しくて毎日やっています。

Travel and Outings

旅行は楽しかったですか？
楽しい思い出ができました。
どこに行っても楽しいです。
楽しい計画を立てましょう。

School or Work

学校は楽しい？
仕事が楽しいのはいいことです。
楽しく勉強しましょう。
あまり楽しくない授業。

Social Media Comments

楽しそう！
楽しかったのが伝わります。
楽しい週末を過ごしてね。
見てるだけで楽しい。

Amorces de conversation

"最近、何か楽しいことはありましたか？ (Has anything fun happened lately?)"

"どんなことをしている時が一番楽しいですか？ (When are you having the most fun?)"

"昨日のイベントは楽しかったですか？ (Was yesterday's event fun?)"

"日本語の勉強で、何が一番楽しいと感じますか？ (What do you find most fun about studying Japanese?)"

"子供の頃、一番楽しかった思い出は何ですか？ (What is your most fun memory from childhood?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日一日の中で、一番楽しいと感じた瞬間について詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about the moment you felt was most fun today.)

あなたにとって「楽しい人生」とはどのようなものですか？ (What does a 'fun life' look like to you?)

最近行った場所で、一番楽しかったところを紹介してください。 (Introduce the most fun place you've visited recently.)

「楽しい」と「面白い」の違いについて、自分の経験をもとに考えてみましょう。 (Think about the difference between 'tanoshii' and 'omoshiroi' based on your experiences.)

もし一週間、何でも楽しいことができるとしたら、何をしますか？ (If you could do anything fun for a week, what would you do?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, you can say 'tanoshii hito' (楽しい人). This means the person is fun to be around or has a cheerful personality that makes others have a good time. It's a common way to compliment someone's social character. However, if you mean they are 'funny' (make you laugh), 'omoshiroi hito' is more common. 'Tanoshii hito' is about the vibe they bring to the group.

It depends on who you are talking to. In a polite setting (with teachers, bosses, or strangers), 'tanoshii desu' is necessary. In casual settings with friends or family, just 'tanoshii!' is much more natural. Japanese people often drop the 'desu' in emotional exclamations. For example, if you are on a roller coaster, you would shout 'Tanoshii!' not 'Tanoshii desu!'

'Tanoshii' is an adjective (fun), while 'tanoshimu' is a verb (to enjoy). You use 'tanoshii' to describe a state: 'The party is fun.' You use 'tanoshimu' to describe an action: 'I am enjoying the party.' For example, 'Paatii wa tanoshii' vs 'Paatii o tanoshimu'. The verb 'tanoshimu' often takes the particle 'o' for the object being enjoyed.

The most natural way is simply to say 'Tanoshii desu!' (It is fun!). In Japanese, you often describe the situation rather than your own state of 'having' something. If you want to emphasize that you are currently in the middle of enjoying yourself, you could say 'Tanoshinde imasu' (the te-iru form of the verb tanoshimu), but 'Tanoshii desu' is the most common daily expression.

Yes, 'tanoshii' can describe a peaceful but pleasant time, like a quiet dinner with a close friend. While it often implies excitement, its core meaning is about a 'pleasant heart'. However, for very calm 'pleasantness', words like 'kokochi-yoi' (comfortable) or 'nagoyaka' (harmonious) might be used, but 'tanoshii' is still perfectly acceptable for any positive social experience.

In Japanese, adjectives that describe internal feelings or qualities of objects are often i-adjectives (keiyoushi). These are a distinct part of speech that evolved from ancient Japanese verbs. Because 'tanoshii' describes an inherent quality or feeling, it fits into this category, allowing it to conjugate directly (tanoshikatta, tanoshiku, etc.) without needing an auxiliary verb like 'da' in the present tense.

Rarely, but it can be used sarcastically. If someone is being loud and annoying, you might say 'Tanoshii ne' (You're having fun, aren't you?) with a flat or annoyed tone. Also, 'tanoshii' can be used to describe someone who is 'all play and no work', which might have a slightly negative connotation in a very strict professional environment, but generally, the word is overwhelmingly positive.

You say 'Tanoshii kara' (casual) or 'Tanoshii desu kara' (polite). You can also use 'Tanoshii node' (polite/formal). For example, 'Tanoshii kara, motto yaritai' (I want to do it more because it's fun). You do not need to add 'da' before 'kara' because 'tanoshii' is an i-adjective.

There are two main noun forms: 'tanoshisa' and 'tanoshimi'. 'Tanoshisa' refers to the degree or quality of the fun (e.g., 'The fun of skiing'). 'Tanoshimi' refers to the pleasure itself or something you are looking forward to (e.g., 'My pleasure is reading'). 'Tanoshimi' is much more common in daily phrases like 'Tanoshimi ni shite imasu' (I'm looking forward to it).

Usually, no. For food, you use 'oishii' (delicious). However, you can say 'Tanoshii shokuji' (a fun meal), which refers to the experience of eating with others, the conversation, and the atmosphere, rather than the taste of the food itself. If the food has a 'fun' gimmick (like a DIY sushi kit), you might call the process 'tanoshii'.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes