Meaning
Information that brings joy or good feelings.
Cultural Background
Sharing joy is often done with a sense of 'osuwakachi' (sharing the luck). People use this phrase to invite others into their happiness. In offices, 'ureshii news' is a safe way to build rapport without being overly emotional or unprofessional. The hashtag #嬉しいニュース is used to create a 'safe space' of positivity away from political or negative news. Before 'news', people looked for 'omens' (engimono). Today, 'ureshii news' has replaced the language of omens in daily life.
React with Empathy
When someone tells you something good, always use 'Sore wa ureshii news desu ne!' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't over-use 'Happy'
While 'Happī na news' exists, 'Ureshii news' sounds more natural and grounded in Japanese.
Meaning
Information that brings joy or good feelings.
React with Empathy
When someone tells you something good, always use 'Sore wa ureshii news desu ne!' to sound more like a native speaker.
Don't over-use 'Happy'
While 'Happī na news' exists, 'Ureshii news' sounds more natural and grounded in Japanese.
The 'Desu' Rule
In a professional setting, always add 'desu' to the end. Without it, you sound like you're talking to a child or a very close friend.
Modesty
If you are the one with the news, start with 'Jitsu wa...' (Actually...) to sound humble.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct adjective for 'happy'.
{今日|きょう}は（ ）ニュースがあります！
'Ureshii' is used for news that brings joy. 'Tanoshii' is for fun activities.
Which response is most natural when a friend says they passed an exam?
A: {試験|しけん}に{合格|ごうかく}しました！ B: （ ）
Responding with 'ureshii news' shows you share their joy.
Complete the dialogue.
田中：{佐藤|さとう}さん、{結婚|けっこん}するそうですよ。 鈴木：えっ、それは（ ）ですね！
Marriage is typically considered happy news.
Match the news to the phrase.
1. A new baby is born. 2. A war started. 3. A comedy movie is out.
Babies are happy, war is sad, comedy is interesting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ureshii vs Tanoshii
Practice Bank
4 exercises{今日|きょう}は（ ）ニュースがあります！
'Ureshii' is used for news that brings joy. 'Tanoshii' is for fun activities.
A: {試験|しけん}に{合格|ごうかく}しました！ B: （ ）
Responding with 'ureshii news' shows you share their joy.
田中：{佐藤|さとう}さん、{結婚|けっこん}するそうですよ。 鈴木：えっ、それは（ ）ですね！
Marriage is typically considered happy news.
1. A new baby is born. 2. A war started. 3. A comedy movie is out.
Babies are happy, war is sad, comedy is interesting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, absolutely! If the news about a panda being born makes you happy, it's a 'ureshii news'.
It is neutral. For very formal situations, use 'yorokobashii shirase'.
'Ureshii' is an adjective (a state of being), while 'yorokobu' is a verb (the action of being happy).
Yes, that is the standard polite form.
Yes, in modern Japanese, 'news' is almost always written in katakana as ニュース.
The party itself isn't 'news', but the *invitation* to the party could be 'ureshii news'.
You can say 'ureshii news ga nai'.
Yes, if you are sharing a success with a client you have a good relationship with.
'Kanashii news' (sad news) or 'zannen na news' (disappointing news).
Because 'tanoshii' is for activities you participate in, not information you receive.
Yes, but usually you say 'ureshisou' (they look happy). However, 'ureshii news' is fine because the news itself is the subject.
No, adults use it all the time. It sounds warm and sincere.
Yes! 'The 50% off sale is ureshii news!'
No, it is a loanword. The traditional word is 'shirase' or 'tayori'.
Related Phrases
{良|よ}いお{知|し}らせ
similarGood announcement
{朗報|ろうほう}
synonymGood news / Glad tidings
{悲|かな}しいニュース
contrastSad news
{喜|よろこ}ばしい
builds onJoyful / Worthy of celebration
ハッピーなニュース
specialized formHappy news (casual)
