When you want to say someone looks happy, you can use 嬉しそうに (ureshi-sō ni). This is an adverb, so it modifies a verb. It literally means "as if happy" or "looking happy."
You often see this used when you are observing someone's appearance or behavior and inferring their emotional state. For example, if a child is playing with a new toy and smiling, you might describe them as doing something 嬉しそうに.
It's different from just saying someone is happy (嬉しい - ureshii). 嬉しそうに emphasizes the outward appearance of happiness.
When you want to say someone looks happy in Japanese, you can use 嬉しそうに (ureshisō ni). This adverb literally means "as if happy" or "looking happy."
You use it to describe how someone performs an action, giving the impression that they are happy. For example, if someone is singing happily, you would use 嬉しそうに歌う (ureshisō ni utau).
It's a useful phrase to show observation of someone's emotional state through their actions. Remember, the 「そうに」 part attaches to the stem of i-adjectives (like 嬉しい - ureshii) to convey the meaning of "appearing" or "seeming."
嬉しそうに 30초 만에
- ureshi-sō ni
- happily
- looking happy
§ What “嬉しそうに” means
Let’s break down “嬉しそうに” (ureshisuou ni). This word is an adverb. It describes how someone is doing something, specifically in a happy way, or appearing happy.
- Japanese Word
- 嬉しそうに (ureshisuou ni)
- Part of Speech
- Adverb
- Definition
- Happily; looking happy; appearing joyful.
§ How to use it in a sentence
“嬉しそうに” is an adverb, so it directly modifies verbs. It tells you how an action is performed. Think of it like “happily” or “joyfully” in English.
The “-そう” part means “looking like” or “seeming.” So, “嬉しそう” means “looking happy.” Adding “-に” turns it into an adverb, describing an action done in that way.
彼女は嬉しそうに笑った。
- English Hint
- She happily laughed. (or: She laughed, looking happy.)
Here, “嬉しそうに” modifies the verb “笑った” (waratta - laughed), telling us she laughed in a way that showed happiness.
彼はプレゼントを嬉しそうに開けた。
- English Hint
- He opened the present happily. (or: He opened the present, looking happy.)
Again, “嬉しそうに” describes the action of “開けた” (aketa - opened).
§ Common Verbs with “嬉しそうに”
You'll often hear “嬉しそうに” used with verbs that express actions or reactions. Here are some common ones:
- 笑う (warau) - to laugh
- 話す (hanasu) - to talk/speak
- 食べる (taberu) - to eat
- 見る (miru) - to look/see
- 聞く (kiku) - to listen/ask
- 言う (iu) - to say
- 走る (hashiru) - to run
§ More examples
子供たちは新しいおもちゃを嬉しそうに見ている。
- English Hint
- The children are happily looking at the new toy. (or: The children are looking at the new toy, looking happy.)
彼女は合格の知らせを嬉しそうに話した。
- English Hint
- She happily spoke about the news of passing. (or: She spoke about the news of passing, looking happy.)
彼は好きなものを嬉しそうに食べた。
- English Hint
- He happily ate his favorite food. (or: He ate his favorite food, looking happy.)
난이도
Kanji 嬉 is common, but そうに requires understanding of grammar patterns.
Writing the kanji and forming the adverbial phrase.
Pronunciation is straightforward, but correct usage in context can be tricky.
Recognizing the 'looks happy' nuance.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
The ～そうに form is used to describe how someone appears to be feeling or acting. It attaches to the stem of i-adjectives and the stem of na-adjectives (dropping the な). For verbs, it attaches to the masu-stem, and for nouns, it attaches to the noun directly, often with そうな (sou na) before a noun.
彼女は嬉しそうに笑った。 (She happily (looking happy) laughed.)
When modifying a verb, ～そうに (sou ni) is used. It functions as an adverb, describing the manner in which the action is performed.
子供たちは楽しそうに遊んでいる。 (The children are playing happily (looking happy).)
When describing a state or appearance before a noun, the ～そうな (sou na) form is used.
嬉しそうな顔 (A happy-looking face)
This form conveys an impression based on observation, rather than a definitive statement of emotion. It means "appears to be" or "looks like."
彼は疲れていそうに見える。 (He looks like he is tired.)
For negative forms of i-adjectives, drop the い and add なさそうに. For example, 嬉しくない becomes 嬉しくなさそうに (ureshiku nasasou ni).
彼は嬉しくなさそうに話した。 (He spoke unhappily (looking unhappy).)
수준별 예문
彼女はプレゼントを開ける時、嬉しそうに微笑んだ。
She smiled happily when she opened the present.
嬉しそうに (ureshisō ni) is an adverbial form of the i-adjective 嬉しい (ureshii, happy).
子供たちは新しいおもちゃを見て、嬉しそうにはしゃいだ。
The children joyfully frolicked when they saw the new toy.
はしゃぐ (hashagu) means to make merry or frolic.
彼は試験に合格したと聞いて、嬉しそうに飛び上がった。
He jumped up happily when he heard he passed the exam.
飛び上がる (tobiagaru) means to jump up or leap up.
お客さんは美味しい料理を食べて、嬉しそうに頷いた。
The customer nodded happily after eating the delicious food.
頷く (unazuku) means to nod.
彼女は長い間会っていなかった友人と再会し、嬉しそうに話していた。
She was happily talking with a friend she hadn't seen for a long time.
再会する (saikai suru) means to reunite or meet again.
彼は昇進の知らせを聞き、嬉しそうに皆に報告した。
He happily reported the news of his promotion to everyone.
報告する (hōkoku suru) means to report or inform.
チームは試合に勝って、嬉しそうに歓声を上げた。
The team won the game and happily cheered.
歓声を上げる (kansei o ageru) means to cheer or shout for joy.
彼女は欲しかった本を見つけて、嬉しそうにそれを手に取った。
She found the book she wanted and happily picked it up.
手に取る (te ni toru) means to pick up or take into one's hand.
자주 혼동되는 단어
This is the adjectival form meaning 'looks happy' or 'seems happy.' '嬉しそうに' is the adverbial form, describing how an action is performed with a happy appearance.
Means 'with a smiling face.' While related to looking happy, it specifically refers to the act of smiling, whereas '嬉しそうに' is broader and can refer to other happy expressions or actions.
This is the verb 'to be glad,' 'to rejoice.' '嬉しそうに' describes the *manner* of someone's happiness, often observed from an external perspective, while '喜ぶ' is the action of feeling or expressing joy.
혼동하기 쉬운
Often confused with other words that express happiness or a happy appearance due to similar meanings but different grammatical structures or nuances.
This adverb specifically means 'looking happy' or 'happily' in a way that suggests the outward appearance of happiness. It's often used when you're observing someone else's happiness.
彼女はプレゼントを嬉しそうに開けた。 (Kanojo wa purezento o ureshi-sou ni aketa.) - She happily opened the present. (She looked happy opening the present.)
Both express happiness, but their usage differs.
This means 'gladly' or 'with pleasure,' often used when accepting an offer or performing an action willingly. It implies an internal feeling of joy or willingness.
喜んでお手伝いします。 (Yorokonde otetsudai shimasu.) - I'd be glad to help. (I will help with pleasure.)
Both relate to positive feelings, but 'tanoshiku' is about enjoyment.
This means 'enjoyably' or 'pleasurably.' It describes how an activity is done or experienced, focusing on the enjoyment of the process.
私たちはパーティーで楽しく過ごした。 (Watashitachi wa paatii de tanoshiku sugoshita.) - We had a fun time at the party. (We spent time enjoyably at the party.)
Both relate to happiness, but 'shiawase ni' is about a state of being.
This means 'happily' in the sense of 'in a state of happiness' or 'fortunately.' It often describes a more general state of well-being rather than a momentary display of happiness.
彼らは幸せに暮らしました。 (Karera wa shiawase ni kurashimashita.) - They lived happily ever after. (They lived in a state of happiness.)
This is the adverbial form of the adjective '嬉しい (ureshii),' but '嬉しそうに' carries a specific nuance.
While '嬉しく' can mean 'happily' or 'gladly,' it often implies the speaker's own feeling of happiness or acts as part of an adjective phrase. '嬉しそうに' specifically describes someone else *appearing* happy.
プレゼントをもらって嬉しくなった。 (Purezento o moratte ureshiku natta.) - I became happy after receiving the present. (I felt happy.)
사용법
When you want to say someone seems happy or is acting happily, you can use 嬉しそうに (ureshiso ni). It's formed by taking the stem of the adjective 嬉しい (ureshii, happy) and adding -そうに (-so ni). This structure indicates that something appears to be a certain way. So, 嬉しそうに literally means 'appearing happy' or 'in a way that looks happy'.
A common mistake is confusing 嬉しそうに (ureshiso ni) with 嬉しく (ureshiku) or 幸せに (shiawase ni). While all relate to happiness, their nuances are different:
- 嬉しそうに (ureshiso ni): Focuses on the outward appearance of happiness. 'He looks happy.' 'She was happily playing.'
- 嬉しく (ureshiku): This is the adverbial form of 嬉しい (ureshii), often used with verbs like 嬉しく思う (ureshiku omou, to feel happy) or 嬉しくなる (ureshiku naru, to become happy). It describes how someone feels internally, or makes someone feel happy. 'I feel happy.' 'It made me happy.'
- 幸せに (shiawase ni): This is the adverbial form of 幸せ (shiawase, happiness/fortunate). It implies a deeper, more general state of fortune or well-being. 'They live happily ever after.' 'He is blessed with a happy life.'
셀프 테스트 48 질문
She was singing happily.
The children are playing happily.
He happily opened the present.
Read this aloud:
彼女は嬉しそうに笑いました。
Focus: うれしそうに (ureshi-sou ni)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼は嬉しそうに話しています。
Focus: はなしています (hanashite imasu)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
猫は嬉しそうにご飯を食べています。
Focus: たべています (tabete imasu)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Translate the following sentence into Japanese, using 「嬉しそうに」: 'She happily ate the cake.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼女は嬉しそうにケーキを食べました。
Complete the sentence with an appropriate phrase using 「嬉しそうに」: 'The child ______ played with the new toy.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
子供は嬉しそうに新しいおもちゃで遊んだ。
Describe a short scenario (1-2 sentences) where someone is acting 「嬉しそうに」.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
友達は試験に合格したと聞いて、嬉しそうに話しました。
Why is Tanaka-san happy?
Read this passage:
A: 田中さんはどうしてそんなに嬉しそうなんですか？ B: 彼は新しい仕事を見つけたそうですよ。
Why is Tanaka-san happy?
The passage states '彼は新しい仕事を見つけたそうですよ' (He seems to have found a new job).
The passage states '彼は新しい仕事を見つけたそうですよ' (He seems to have found a new job).
What was the dog doing in the park?
Read this passage:
公園で、犬がしっぽを振りながら嬉しそうに走っていました。飼い主がボールを投げると、さらに速く走りました。
What was the dog doing in the park?
The passage says '犬がしっぽを振りながら嬉しそうに走っていました' (The dog was happily running while wagging its tail).
The passage says '犬がしっぽを振りながら嬉しそうに走っていました' (The dog was happily running while wagging its tail).
What made the students happy?
Read this passage:
先生がクラスに良いニュースを伝えると、生徒たちは皆、嬉しそうに拍手しました。そのニュースは、次の週の遠足が決定したというものでした。
What made the students happy?
The passage states '先生がクラスに良いニュースを伝えると、生徒たちは皆、嬉しそうに拍手しました' (When the teacher told the class good news, all the students happily clapped).
The passage states '先生がクラスに良いニュースを伝えると、生徒たちは皆、嬉しそうに拍手しました' (When the teacher told the class good news, all the students happily clapped).
彼女はプレゼントを開けて、___ 微笑んだ。
The context of opening a present suggests a happy reaction, making 嬉しそうに (happily; looking happy) the most appropriate choice.
試験に合格したと聞いて、彼は___ 飛び上がった。
Passing an exam typically elicits a happy response, so 嬉しそうに (happily; looking happy) fits the action of jumping up.
子供たちは新しいおもちゃを見て、___ 笑った。
Children seeing new toys are usually happy, so 嬉しそうに (happily; looking happy) is the best adverb to describe their laughter.
彼は宝くじに当たったことを___ みんなに話した。
Winning the lottery is a happy event, so 嬉しそうに (happily; looking happy) describes how he would share the news.
お気に入りの歌手のコンサートチケットを手に入れて、彼女は___ 踊った。
Getting tickets to a favorite singer's concert would make someone happy, thus 嬉しそうに (happily; looking happy) is suitable for describing her dancing.
長い間会っていなかった友人と再会し、彼らは___ 抱き合った。
Reuniting with a long-lost friend is a joyful occasion, making 嬉しそうに (happily; looking happy) the correct adverb for their embrace.
彼女は新しい仕事が決まって、とても___している。
The context '新しい仕事が決まって' (got a new job) implies a happy emotion. '嬉しそうに' means 'looking happy' or 'happily'.
子供たちはプレゼントを開けて、___笑った。
Receiving presents usually makes children happy. '嬉しそうに笑った' means 'smiled happily' or 'smiled looking happy'.
宝くじに当たった友人は、___私に話してくれた。
Winning the lottery is a happy event. '嬉しそうに話してくれた' means 'told me happily' or 'told me looking happy'.
試験に合格した彼は、___家族に報告した。
Passing an exam is a cause for happiness. '嬉しそうに報告した' means 'reported happily' or 'reported looking happy'.
彼女は長年の夢が叶って、___涙を流した。
When a long-cherished dream comes true, one often cries tears of joy. '嬉しそうに涙を流した' implies shedding tears happily.
久しぶりに会った友人は、___近況を語ってくれた。
Meeting a friend after a long time is usually a happy occasion. '嬉しそうに語ってくれた' means 'told me about their current situation happily'.
Choose the sentence where 「嬉しそうに」 is used correctly.
「嬉しそうに」 implies a visible expression of happiness. Opening a present is a common action where one would visibly show happiness. Sitting quietly, barking, or crying don't typically convey visible happiness in the same way.
Which of the following best replaces 「嬉しそうに」 in the sentence: 「彼女は合格の知らせを聞いて嬉しそうに微笑んだ。」 (She heard the news of her success and smiled happily.)
「楽しそうに」 is the closest in meaning to 「嬉しそうに」 when describing a visible expression of positive emotion like smiling after good news. The others are antonyms or unrelated.
Which sentence uses 「嬉しそうに」 to describe an action that is usually performed with visible joy?
Eating cake, especially for children, is an action where happiness is often visibly expressed through their demeanor and how they eat. While other options can involve happiness, the expression is more direct in this case.
「彼は嬉しそうに何も言わなかった。」 (He happily said nothing.) is a natural and common Japanese sentence.
While it's grammatically possible, it's an awkward and unnatural expression. Happiness is usually associated with some form of active expression or reaction, not with saying 'nothing.' It contradicts the 'looking happy' aspect.
If someone receives a promotion and their face lights up, you could describe them as 「嬉しそうにしている」.
「嬉しそうにしている」 means 'looking happy' or 'appearing happy,' which perfectly describes someone whose face lights up after good news like a promotion.
「嬉しそうに」 can only be used with verbs that involve physical movement.
「嬉しそうに」 describes the manner of an action or state, not just physical movement. For example, 「嬉しそうに話した」(spoke happily) or 「嬉しそうに考えていた」(was thinking happily) are valid uses.
Choose the sentence where 「嬉しそうに」 is used most appropriately.
「嬉しそうに」は、動作や様子が嬉しい感情を伴っていることを表します。合格の知らせを聞いて飛び上がる様子に「嬉しそうに」を使うのは自然です。
Which option best describes the nuance of 「嬉しそうに」?
「嬉しそうに」は「～そうに」という形が示す通り、外見や行動から判断できる「嬉しそうな」様子を表します。
Select the sentence that uses 「嬉しそうに」 to describe an action.
「笑った」「尻尾を振っていた」「歌を口ずさんでいた」のいずれも、嬉しそうな様子を表す具体的な行動であり、「嬉しそうに」が適切に使われています。
「彼は嬉しそうにその話を始めた」という文は、彼がその話をすることが嬉しいと感じていることを示している。
「嬉しそうに」は、話すという行動が、話者の内にある喜びの感情を伴っていることを示唆しています。
「嬉しそうに」は、常にポジティブな感情のみを表し、偽りの感情には使われない。
「～そうに」の形は、外見上の様子を表すため、時に偽りの感情や演技にも使われることがあります。例えば、「彼は、本当は困っているのに、嬉しそうに振る舞った」のような文脈も可能です。
「嬉しそうに」と「嬉しい」は、同じ意味で常に置き換え可能である。
「嬉しい」は感情そのものを表す形容詞ですが、「嬉しそうに」はその感情が表に出た様子、つまり「～のように見える」という推量や様態を表す副詞です。両者は意味が異なります。
The speaker is describing someone's reaction to good news.
Listen for how the children are reacting to a new toy.
Pay attention to her reaction after he made a suggestion.
Read this aloud:
彼はそのニュースを聞いて嬉しそうに微笑んだ。
Focus: うれしそうに (ureshisōni)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
お客様はプレゼントを開けて、嬉しそうに感謝の言葉を述べた。
Focus: 感謝の言葉 (kansha no kotoba)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼女は友人に再会して、嬉しそうに抱きついた。
Focus: 抱きついた (dakitsuita)
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you see a child receiving their favorite toy. Describe their reaction using '嬉しそうに'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
子供はおもちゃをもらって、嬉しそうに飛び跳ねていました。
Describe a scenario where someone is celebrating good news and how '嬉しそうに' would fit into that description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼女は試験に合格したと聞いて、嬉しそうに友達に報告していました。
Write a short paragraph about a time you saw someone expressing their happiness very clearly, using '嬉しそうに'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日、公園で犬が飼い主と再会した時、尻尾を振りながら嬉しそうに駆け寄っていく姿を見ました。その姿はとても微笑ましかったです。
佐藤さんは何に対して嬉しそうでしたか？
Read this passage:
佐藤さんは長い間準備してきたプロジェクトが成功し、その結果を聞いた時、顔いっぱいに喜びを浮かべ、同僚たちに「ありがとうございます」と嬉しそうに感謝の言葉を述べました。彼の努力が報われた瞬間でした。
佐藤さんは何に対して嬉しそうでしたか？
佐藤さんはプロジェクトの成功を受けて嬉しそうに感謝を述べました。
佐藤さんはプロジェクトの成功を受けて嬉しそうに感謝を述べました。
子供たちは何を見つけて嬉しそうでしたか？
Read this passage:
公園で遊んでいた子供たちが、新しくできたブランコを見つけました。彼らは目を輝かせ、順番を待ちきれない様子で、嬉しそうにブランコに駆け寄っていきました。その日は一日中、笑い声が絶えませんでした。
子供たちは何を見つけて嬉しそうでしたか？
子供たちは新しくできたブランコを見つけて嬉しそうに駆け寄っていきました。
子供たちは新しくできたブランコを見つけて嬉しそうに駆け寄っていきました。
田中さんと友人たちは、どのような気持ちで抱き合っていましたか？
Read this passage:
卒業式の日、田中さんは友人たちと将来の夢について語り合っていました。それぞれが異なる道を歩むことに期待と不安を感じながらも、皆、希望に満ちた表情で、嬉しそうに抱き合っていました。彼らにとって忘れられない一日となったでしょう。
田中さんと友人たちは、どのような気持ちで抱き合っていましたか？
彼らは希望に満ちた表情で、嬉しそうに抱き合っていました。
彼らは希望に満ちた表情で、嬉しそうに抱き合っていました。
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 嬉しそうに to describe someone looking happy or doing something happily.
- ureshi-sō ni
- happily
- looking happy
예시
彼女はプレゼントを嬉しそうに開けた。
관련 콘텐츠
emotions 관련 단어
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
