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B1 noun #5,500 most common 8 min read

歓喜

kanki
Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 歓喜 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 歓喜 in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic Japanese. The concept of 'great joy' (歓喜) is likely too abstract and intense for this stage. Vocabulary at A1 focuses on immediate needs and simple descriptions like 'happy' (嬉しい) or 'like' (好き). Introducing 歓喜 would be premature, as it requires understanding more complex emotional states and formal vocabulary. Learners at this level are concerned with greetings, introductions, and very basic questions and answers. The nuances of intense emotions are far beyond their current scope.
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A2 learners are expanding their vocabulary to include more common adjectives and verbs. They can express simple feelings and opinions. While they might understand 'happy' (嬉しい), the concept of 'great joy' (歓喜) is still quite advanced. They might recognize 歓喜 if they see it in a very simple context, but using it themselves would be challenging. Their vocabulary typically covers daily routines, hobbies, and basic descriptions of people and things. Words conveying intense emotions like 歓喜 are usually introduced at higher levels.
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B1 learners can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters. They can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. 歓喜 fits well at this level as it describes a strong emotion that can be understood through context. Learners can start to differentiate it from simpler words like 嬉しい. They can begin to use it in written or spoken contexts where a significant positive event has occurred. This is where they start to appreciate the nuances of more formal or impactful vocabulary.
B2 learners can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. At this level, 歓喜 is readily understood and can be used accurately to describe intense joy in various situations, from personal achievements to public events. Learners can confidently employ it in essays, presentations, and discussions, appreciating its formal and expressive qualities.
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C1 learners can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit meaning. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. 歓喜 is a word they would naturally use and understand in its full depth. They can appreciate its literary and dramatic applications and use it to add precise emotional color to their writing and speech, understanding its connotations and register.
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C2 learners have an underlying簡単 understanding of virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. 歓喜 would be a word they use with complete mastery, understanding all its subtle implications, historical usage, and stylistic variations.
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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

歓喜 in 30 Seconds

  • 歓喜 (kanki) means extreme joy or jubilation.
  • Used for significant positive events, achievements, or good news.
  • More intense than simple happiness (嬉しい - ureshii).
  • Often implies outward expression or overwhelming emotion.

歓喜 (kanki) is a powerful Japanese word that describes a feeling of immense joy, delight, or jubilation. It's not just a little bit happy; it's a state of being overwhelmingly pleased, often to the point of excitement or even tears of happiness. You'll encounter this word in contexts where something truly wonderful or significant has happened, leading to profound positive emotions.

Emotional Intensity
歓喜 signifies a high level of positive emotion, far beyond simple happiness or satisfaction.
Occasion-Specific
It's often used to describe reactions to major achievements, unexpected good news, or deeply meaningful events.
Expressive Nature
While it describes an internal feeling, 歓喜 often implies an outward expression of that joy, such as cheering, celebrating, or crying tears of happiness.

試合に勝利した瞬間、選手たちは歓喜の声を上げた。

The moment they won the match, the players raised cries of kanki.

You might feel 歓喜 when your favorite team wins a championship, when you receive long-awaited good news, or when a cherished dream finally comes true. It's a word that captures the peak of positive emotional experience.

長年の努力が実を結び、彼は歓喜に震えた。

His years of effort bore fruit, and he trembled with kanki.

The word can be used in both spoken and written Japanese, often in more formal or descriptive contexts, but it's understood by all speakers. It paints a vivid picture of overwhelming happiness.

Literary Use
In literature and news reporting, 歓喜 is frequently used to describe the emotional response of individuals or crowds to significant events.
Personal Expression
While it sounds somewhat formal, people might describe their own intense joy using this word, especially when reflecting on a momentous occasion.

合格発表を見たとき、私の心は歓喜でいっぱいになった。

When I saw the exam results, my heart was filled with kanki.

Using 歓喜 (kanki) effectively involves placing it in contexts where profound joy is being described or experienced. It often functions as a noun, representing the state of great happiness itself.

As the Subject
歓喜 can be the subject of a sentence, describing the emotion that arises.
As the Object
It can also be the object of verbs like 'feel' (感じる - kanjiru) or 'fill' (満たす - mitasu).
With Particles
Particles like 'の' (no) can be used to show possession or describe something related to 歓喜, such as '歓喜の声' (kanki no koe - voice of joy).

目標達成の歓喜が会場を包んだ。

The kanki of achieving the goal enveloped the venue.

Consider the nuance: 歓喜 isn't typically used for everyday pleasantries. It's reserved for moments that elicit a deep, often overwhelming, sense of happiness. For instance, while getting a promotion might bring happiness, if it's an incredibly significant, life-changing event that you've strived for years to achieve, then 歓喜 might be appropriate.

長年の夢が叶い、彼女は歓喜のあまり言葉を失った。

Her long-held dream came true, and she was speechless with kanki.

Practice constructing sentences where a significant positive event triggers an intense emotional response. The word 歓喜 adds a layer of depth and impact to such descriptions.

Describing Reactions
It's common to see phrases like 「歓喜に沸く」 (kanki ni waku - to boil with joy) or 「歓喜に満ちる」 (kanki ni michiru - to be filled with joy).
Expressing Personal Feelings
You might say 「歓喜しました」 (kanki shimashita - I felt great joy) to describe your own profound happiness.

歴史的な瞬間を目の当たりにし、観衆は歓喜に酔いしれた。

Witnessing the historic moment, the crowd was intoxicated with kanki.

The key is to use 歓喜 when the joy is so significant it's noteworthy and perhaps even overwhelming.

While not an everyday word like 'happy' (嬉しい - ureshii), 歓喜 (kanki) appears in specific, impactful situations that resonate with strong emotions. You'll most likely encounter it in media, literature, and during public celebrations.

Sports Events
After a major sports victory, especially a championship, commentators and news reports will often describe the players' and fans' reactions as 歓喜.
Major Achievements
When a significant national or international goal is achieved (e.g., a scientific breakthrough, a successful space mission), the collective joy can be described as 歓喜.
Literature and Drama
In novels, plays, and films, 歓喜 is used to portray characters experiencing profound happiness, often at climactic moments.

「ついに長年の悲願が達成され、国民は歓喜に沸いた。」

"Finally, the long-cherished wish was achieved, and the nation erupted in kanki."

You might hear it in news broadcasts reporting on successful events, or in documentaries describing moments of triumph. It adds a formal and evocative tone to the description of happiness.

優勝決定の瞬間、スタジアムは歓喜の渦に包まれた。

At the moment the championship was decided, the stadium was engulfed in a vortex of kanki.

In more public speeches or formal announcements celebrating a success, 歓喜 might be used to describe the collective feeling of the audience or nation.

Historical Accounts
When discussing historical events where a population experienced immense relief or triumph, 歓喜 is a suitable term.
Formal Celebrations
At award ceremonies, graduations, or significant anniversaries where great success is being recognized, the atmosphere might be described as filled with 歓喜.

科学者たちは、長年の研究が実を結んだことに歓喜した。

The scientists rejoiced with kanki that their years of research had borne fruit.

Essentially, 歓喜 signals a peak emotional moment of pure, unadulterated joy.

When learning 歓喜 (kanki), learners might make a few common errors, primarily related to its intensity and appropriate usage. Understanding these pitfalls can help you use the word more accurately.

Overuse for Minor Happiness
The most frequent mistake is using 歓喜 for everyday happiness or minor achievements. While 嬉しい (ureshii) is perfect for 'happy' or 'glad,' 歓喜 demands a much higher level of emotion.
Confusing with Simple Joy
Learners might equate 歓喜 with general joy or pleasure, failing to grasp its intensity. It's more akin to 'ecstasy,' 'jubilation,' or 'overwhelming delight.'
Incorrect Grammatical Usage
While 歓喜 is a noun, learners might try to use it as an adjective or verb without proper conjugation or auxiliary verbs, leading to unnatural phrasing.

Incorrect: 私は昨日、良い天気で歓喜でした。

Incorrect: I was kanki yesterday because the weather was good.

The weather being good is a pleasant experience, but not typically one that elicits 歓喜. A more appropriate word would be 嬉しい (ureshii) or 満足 (manzoku - satisfaction).

Correct: 試合に勝った時、選手たちは歓喜に満ち溢れた。

Correct: When they won the match, the players were overflowing with kanki.

Another common error is the pronunciation, particularly the 'n' sound and the stress. Ensure you are emphasizing the second syllable ('ki').

Literal Translation Issues
Trying to directly translate English expressions of extreme happiness might lead to unnatural Japanese if 歓喜 is forced into a context where it doesn't fit culturally or emotionally.
Ignoring Context
Using 歓喜 in informal, casual conversation where a simpler word like 嬉しい would be more appropriate can sound overly dramatic or out of place.

Incorrect: デザートが美味しくて歓喜した。

Incorrect: I felt kanki because the dessert was delicious.

The correct way to express happiness about delicious food would be something like 「デザートがとても美味しくて、嬉しかった」 (Dessert was very delicious, and I was happy).

While 歓喜 (kanki) signifies a peak emotional state, Japanese offers various words to express happiness and joy, each with its own nuance and intensity. Understanding these alternatives helps in selecting the most appropriate term.

嬉しい (ureshii)
Meaning: Happy, glad.
Usage: This is the most common and versatile word for happiness. It's used for everyday pleasant feelings, receiving good news, or general contentment.
Comparison: Less intense than 歓喜. You'd use 嬉しい for getting a gift, while 歓喜 would be for winning the lottery.
幸せ (shiawase)
Meaning: Happiness, good fortune, blessed.
Usage: Often refers to a deeper, more sustained sense of well-being, contentment, and good fortune in life.
Comparison: 幸せ is more about a state of being happy and fortunate over time, whereas 歓喜 is a sudden, intense burst of joy.
喜び (yorokobi)
Meaning: Joy, delight, pleasure.
Usage: A more general term for joy or delight than 歓喜. It can describe both strong positive emotions and the expression of them.
Comparison: Similar to 歓喜 but can be less intense. 喜び is a good general term for joy, while 歓喜 implies an overwhelming, possibly ecstatic, feeling.

A: 試験に合格したよ！
B: 本当？それは嬉しいね！

A: I passed the exam!
B: Really? That's ureshii!

When something truly monumental happens, like a major national victory or the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, 歓喜 is the word that best captures that peak of human emotion.

長年の夢が叶った時の歓喜は、何物にも代えがたい。

The kanki when a long-held dream comes true is irreplaceable.
興奮 (kōfun)
Meaning: Excitement.
Usage: Describes a state of being thrilled or stimulated, often with anticipation.
Comparison: Excitement can accompany 歓喜, but 興奮 focuses more on the arousal and stimulation aspect, while 歓喜 is purely about the joy itself.
有頂天 (uchōten)
Meaning: Ecstasy, being beside oneself with joy.
Usage: Similar to 歓喜 in its intensity, often implying a state of being so happy that one is almost out of control or not fully aware of surroundings.
Comparison: Very close in meaning to 歓喜, both describing extreme joy. 有頂天 might emphasize the loss of self-control or the delirious nature of the happiness more.

長年の夢が叶い、彼は有頂天になった。

His long-held dream came true, and he became uchōten.

Choosing the right word depends on the specific shade of happiness you wish to convey.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character 喜 itself is composed of elements that suggest a person kneeling (士) and a mouth (口) with something inside, possibly representing an offering or an expression of delight. The character 歓 includes the radical 'voice' (欠), indicating an outward expression of emotion.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kɑːnˈkiː/
US /kɑːnˈkiː/
Second syllable (き - ki)
Rhymes With
ski key glee free see tree degree agree guarantee tea
Common Errors
  • Mispronouncing the 'n' sound, often making it too nasal or too much like 'm'.
  • Placing stress on the first syllable (か - ka) instead of the second (き - ki).
  • Not clearly enunciating the final 'i' sound, making it sound like 'k' or a short 'ih'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

At B1 level, 歓喜 is understandable in context, especially when associated with clear events like winning or achieving goals. However, its nuanced meaning and formal tone might require some attention. Advanced readers will find it straightforward.

Writing 4/5
Speaking 4/5
Listening 4/5

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

嬉しい (ureshii) - happy, glad 楽しい (tanoshii) - fun, enjoyable 幸せ (shiawase) - happiness, good fortune 喜び (yorokobi) - joy, delight 感動 (kandō) - being moved, deep emotion

Learn Next

狂喜 (kyōki) - wild joy, ecstasy 有頂天 (uchōten) - ecstasy, being beside oneself with joy 至福 (shifuku) - supreme happiness, bliss 欣喜 (kinki) - joy, delight (more literary)

Advanced

The nuances of emotional vocabulary in Japanese literature. The cultural expression of emotions. The use of kanji compounds to express complex ideas.

Grammar to Know

Using the particle に (ni) to indicate the state or manner of an emotion.

彼は歓喜に震えた (He trembled with kanki).

Using の (no) to connect 歓喜 with another noun to describe the nature of the joy.

観衆は歓喜の声 をあげた (The crowd raised voices of kanki).

Using the auxiliary verb する (suru) to turn nouns into verbs, e.g., 歓喜する.

彼はその知らせを聞いて歓喜した (He rejoiced upon hearing the news).

Using 〜のあまり (no amari) to express the extent of an emotion.

歓喜のあまり、彼は言葉を失った (Overwhelmed by kanki, he lost his words).

Using particles like に (ni) or で (de) with verbs describing being filled with or immersed in an emotion.

心は歓喜に満ちていた (My heart was filled with kanki).

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Examples by Level

1

This level is too basic for this word. Focus on 'happy' (嬉しい).

2

Use simple words like 'good' or 'happy' (いい, 嬉しい).

3

This word implies strong emotion, beyond A1 scope.

4

Focus on basic expressions of feeling.

5

The word 歓喜 is too advanced for A1. Stick to simple vocabulary.

6

A1 learners are learning fundamental vocabulary.

7

This word requires understanding intense emotions.

8

Keep vocabulary simple and concrete.

1

試合に勝って、とても嬉しいです。

This means 'I am very happy because we won the game.' Use 嬉しい for general happiness.

嬉しい (ureshii) - happy, glad.

2

プレゼントをもらって、嬉しかった。

This means 'I was happy to receive a present.' Again, 嬉しい is appropriate here.

3

良い天気で、気分がいいです。

This means 'The weather is good, and I feel good.' This expresses contentment, not intense joy.

気分がいい (kibun ga ii) - to feel good.

4

合格したと聞いて、安心しました。

This means 'Hearing that I passed, I felt relieved.' Relief is different from great joy.

安心する (anshin suru) - to feel relieved.

5

新しい友達ができて、楽しいです。

This means 'I made a new friend, and it's fun.' Fun and joy are different from 歓喜.

楽しい (tanoshii) - fun, enjoyable.

6

旅行はとても面白かったです。

This means 'The trip was very interesting/fun.' Interesting is not the same as overwhelming joy.

面白い (omoshiroi) - interesting, fun.

7

試験の結果が心配です。

This expresses worry, the opposite of joy.

心配 (shinpai) - worry.

8

目標を達成できて、満足です。

This means 'I am satisfied that I could achieve my goal.' Satisfaction is less intense than 歓喜.

満足 (manzoku) - satisfaction.

1

長年の努力が実を結び、彼は歓喜に震えた。

This means 'His years of effort bore fruit, and he trembled with kanki.' This shows intense emotion after long effort.

に震えた (ni furueta) - trembled with.

2

チームが優勝した時、観客は歓喜の声をあげた。

This means 'When the team won the championship, the spectators raised voices of kanki.' This is a common scenario for expressing great joy.

声をあげる (koe o ageru) - to raise one's voice.

3

予想外の吉報に、彼女は歓喜しました。

This means 'She felt kanki upon receiving unexpected good news.' This highlights the suddenness and intensity of the joy.

予想外 (yosōgai) - unexpected.

4

長年の夢が叶い、歓喜の涙を流した。

This means 'Her lifelong dream came true, and she shed tears of kanki.' Tears of joy are a strong indicator of this emotion.

涙を流す (namida o nagasu) - to shed tears.

5

歴史的な瞬間を目の当たりにし、人々は歓喜に浸った。

This means 'Witnessing the historic moment, the people were immersed in kanki.' This describes a collective, profound joy.

浸る (hitaru) - to be immersed in.

6

合格発表を見て、歓喜のあまり叫んだ。

This means 'Seeing the exam results, I shouted out of kanki.' This shows an almost uncontrollable expression of joy.

〜のあまり (no amari) - to the point of...

7

偉大な発見に、科学者たちは歓喜した。

This means 'The scientists rejoiced with kanki at the great discovery.' This implies a significant intellectual or professional achievement.

偉大な (idai na) - great.

8

待望の赤ちゃんが生まれ、家族は歓喜に包まれた。

This means 'The long-awaited baby was born, and the family was enveloped in kanki.' This signifies profound personal happiness.

包まれる (tsutsumareru) - to be enveloped.

1

長年の研究が実を結び、ノーベル賞受賞の知らせに彼は歓喜の声を上げた。

This means 'His years of research bore fruit, and he raised a cry of kanki upon hearing the news of winning the Nobel Prize.' This combines long effort with immense recognition.

ノーベル賞受賞 (Nōberu-shō jushō) - Nobel Prize award.

2

国民は、平和が訪れた歓喜に沸き立った。

This means 'The nation erupted in kanki at the arrival of peace.' This illustrates collective joy over a significant societal event.

平和が訪れる (heiwa ga otozureru) - peace arrives.

3

予期せぬ幸運に、彼女の心は歓喜で満たされた。

This means 'Her heart was filled with kanki due to unexpected good fortune.' This emphasizes the internal experience of overwhelming joy.

満たされる (mitasareru) - to be filled.

4

長年待ち望んだ瞬間が訪れ、選手たちは歓喜に抱き合った。

This means 'The long-awaited moment arrived, and the players embraced each other in kanki.' This shows physical expression of intense joy.

抱き合う (dakiau) - to embrace each other.

5

歴史的な発見のニュースは、科学界全体に歓喜をもたらした。

This means 'The news of the historic discovery brought kanki to the entire scientific community.' This describes the impact of joy on a group.

科学界 (kagakukai) - scientific community.

6

ついに自由を手に入れ、人々は歓喜の歌を歌った。

This means 'Finally gaining freedom, the people sang songs of kanki.' This connects joy with expression and celebration.

自由を手に入れる (jiyū o te ni ireru) - to obtain freedom.

7

予期せぬ成功に、彼は歓喜のあまり、その場にへたり込んだ。

This means 'Overwhelmed by unexpected success, he sank to the ground in kanki.' This shows an extreme physical reaction to joy.

へたり込む (hetarikomu) - to sink down, collapse.

8

長年の夢が叶った歓喜は、言葉では言い表せないほどだった。

This means 'The kanki from a lifelong dream coming true was beyond words.' This emphasizes the ineffable nature of the emotion.

言い表せない (iiarawasenai) - inexpressible.

1

長年の悲願であった独立を達成し、国民はその歓喜を爆発させた。

This means 'Having achieved independence, the long-cherished desire, the nation exploded with kanki.' This uses strong imagery for collective joy.

悲願 (higan) - long-cherished desire.

2

予期せぬ朗報は、歓喜の奔流となって人々の心を駆け巡った。

This means 'The unexpected good news became a torrent of kanki, coursing through people's hearts.' This uses a powerful metaphor for the spread of joy.

奔流 (honryū) - torrent, rushing stream.

3

長年にわたる苦難を乗り越え、ついに歓喜の瞬間を迎えた。

This means 'Having overcome years of hardship, they finally reached the moment of kanki.' This highlights the contrast between suffering and subsequent joy.

苦難 (kunnan) - hardship, suffering.

4

彼の歓喜は、単なる喜びを超えた、魂の震えを伴うものだった。

This means 'His kanki went beyond mere joy, accompanied by a trembling of the soul.' This delves into the profound, almost spiritual, nature of the emotion.

魂の震え (tamashii no furue) - trembling of the soul.

5

偉大な芸術作品の完成は、歓喜のあまり、作者を一時的に放心状態にした。

This means 'The completion of the great artwork rendered the author temporarily speechless with kanki.' This shows an extreme reaction to creative fulfillment.

放心状態 (hōshin jōtai) - dazed state, absent-mindedness.

6

長年の夢が現実のものとなり、その歓喜は社会全体に波及した。

This means 'The lifelong dream became a reality, and its kanki spread throughout society.' This describes the societal impact of a fulfilled dream.

波及する (hakyū suru) - to spread, to extend.

7

勝利の歓喜は、敗北の苦しみを一瞬にして忘れさせた。

This means 'The kanki of victory made them forget the pain of defeat in an instant.' This highlights the power of joy to overcome negative emotions.

一瞬にして (isshun ni shite) - in an instant.

8

長年の探求の末、ついに真実を解き明かし、彼は歓喜に打たれた。

This means 'After years of searching, he finally unraveled the truth and was struck by kanki.' This portrays joy derived from intellectual discovery.

探求 (tankyū) - quest, pursuit.

1

長年の悲願であった独立を達成した歓喜は、その後の社会構造の変革をもたらす原動力となった。

This means 'The kanki of achieving independence, the long-cherished desire, became the driving force for subsequent societal structural reforms.' This connects profound joy to significant societal change.

原動力 (gendōryoku) - driving force.

2

予期せぬ朗報は、歓喜の奔流となって人々の心を駆け巡り、旧弊打破の機運を醸成した。

This means 'The unexpected good news became a torrent of kanki, coursing through people's hearts and fostering an atmosphere for breaking down old systems.' This links intense joy to social or political change.

旧弊打破 (kyūhei dappa) - breaking down old customs/systems.

3

長年にわたる苦難を乗り越え、ついに歓喜の瞬間を迎えたことは、彼らの精神的成長に不可欠な経験であった。

This means 'The fact that they finally reached the moment of kanki after overcoming years of hardship was an essential experience for their spiritual growth.' This emphasizes the transformative power of experiencing extreme joy after suffering.

精神的成長 (seishinteki seichō) - spiritual growth.

4

彼の歓喜は、単なる個人的な感情の発露に留まらず、集合的無意識に響く普遍的な喜びの表明であった。

This means 'His kanki was not merely an expression of personal emotion but a manifestation of universal joy resonating with the collective unconscious.' This offers a deep psychological interpretation of the emotion.

集合的無意識 (shūgōteki muishiki) - collective unconscious.

5

偉大な芸術作品の完成は、歓喜のあまり、作者をして自己超越的な境地へと誘った。

This means 'The completion of the great artwork, to the point of kanki, led the author to a state of self-transcendence.' This links artistic achievement and extreme joy to a spiritual or existential state.

自己超越的な境地 (jiko chōetsuteki na kyōchi) - state of self-transcendence.

6

長年の夢が現実のものとなり、その歓喜は、社会構造の再構築を促す触媒となった。

This means 'The lifelong dream became a reality, and its kanki became a catalyst for the restructuring of the social fabric.' This portrays joy as a force for societal change.

触媒 (shokubai) - catalyst.

7

勝利の歓喜は、敗北の深淵から我々を救い出し、新たな存在意義を付与した。

This means 'The kanki of victory rescued us from the abyss of defeat and endowed us with a new sense of purpose.' This elevates the experience of joy to one of existential significance.

存在意義 (sonzai igi) - meaning of existence.

8

長年の探求の末、ついに真実を解き明かした歓喜は、知的探求の究極的な報酬であった。

This means 'The kanki of finally unraveling the truth after years of searching was the ultimate reward of intellectual pursuit.' This frames joy as the pinnacle of intellectual endeavor.

究極的な報酬 (kyūkyokuteki na hōshū) - ultimate reward.

Common Collocations

歓喜に沸く
歓喜の声をあげる
歓喜に満ちる
歓喜の涙
歓喜に浸る
歓喜の舞
歓喜する
歓喜の歌
歓喜の瞬間
歓喜の渦

Common Phrases

歓喜に沸く

— To erupt in joy; to be filled with excitement and happiness.

チームが優勝した時、街は歓喜に沸いた。

歓喜の声をあげる

— To raise shouts or cries of great joy.

目標達成の瞬間、選手たちは歓喜の声をあげた。

歓喜に満ちる

— To be filled with great joy or elation.

長年の夢が叶い、彼女の心は歓喜に満ちた。

歓喜の涙

— Tears of great joy.

再会を果たし、彼は歓喜の涙を流した。

歓喜に浸る

— To revel in great joy; to be immersed in happiness.

歴史的な瞬間を、皆で歓喜に浸った。

歓喜する

— To feel great joy or elation. (Often used with する)

彼はその知らせを聞いて歓喜した。

歓喜の歌

— A song of great joy or celebration.

平和が訪れ、人々は歓喜の歌を歌った。

歓喜の瞬間

— A moment of great joy or jubilation.

ついに夢が叶った歓喜の瞬間だった。

歓喜の渦

— A vortex or whirlwind of great joy; an overwhelming atmosphere of happiness.

スタジアムは歓喜の渦に包まれた。

歓喜に打たれる

— To be struck by overwhelming joy.

長年の探求の末、真実を解き明かし、彼は歓喜に打たれた。

Often Confused With

歓喜 vs 喜び (yorokobi)

喜び is a more general term for joy. 歓喜 is a more intense, often overwhelming form of joy. While 喜び can be used for everyday happiness, 歓喜 is reserved for peak emotional experiences.

歓喜 vs 嬉しい (ureshii)

嬉しい means 'happy' or 'glad' and is used for common positive feelings. 歓喜 signifies a much higher level of emotion, akin to jubilation or ecstasy, and is not suitable for everyday happiness.

歓喜 vs 興奮 (kōfun)

興奮 means excitement and is about being stimulated or aroused. 歓喜 is purely about the joy itself. While excitement can accompany 歓喜, they are distinct emotions.

Idioms & Expressions

"歓喜雀躍（かんきじゃくやく）"

— To jump for joy like a sparrow; to be overjoyed and express it through energetic movements.

長年の努力が実り、彼は歓喜雀躍した。

Literary/Emphatic
"欣喜雀躍（きんきじゃくやく）"

— Similar to 歓喜雀躍, meaning to jump for joy, expressing great happiness with energetic movements. It's a more formal or literary version.

予期せぬ吉報に、彼は欣喜雀躍した。

Formal/Literary
"満面歓喜（まんめんかんき）"

— With one's entire face beaming with joy; beaming with happiness.

合格の知らせを聞き、満面歓喜の表情を浮かべた。

Descriptive
"歓喜の涙を流す"

— To shed tears of great joy.

長年の夢が叶い、彼女は歓喜の涙を流した。

Descriptive
"歓喜の声をあげる"

— To cry out or shout with great joy.

ゴールが決まった瞬間、観客は歓喜の声をあげた。

Descriptive
"歓喜に包まれる"

— To be enveloped or surrounded by great joy.

家族の温かい祝福に、彼女は歓喜に包まれた。

Descriptive
"歓喜の頂点"

— The peak or apex of great joy.

優勝決定の瞬間は、まさに歓喜の頂点だった。

Emphatic
"歓喜に酔う"

— To be intoxicated with joy; to be overwhelmed by happiness.

勝利の美酒に酔いしれ、歓喜に酔った。

Literary/Emphatic
"歓喜の泉"

— A fountain of joy; a source of immense happiness. (Metaphorical)

彼の笑顔は、まるで歓喜の泉のようだった。

Metaphorical/Literary
"歓喜の奔流"

— A torrent or flood of great joy. (Metaphorical)

そのニュースは、社会に歓喜の奔流をもたらした。

Metaphorical/Literary

Easily Confused

歓喜 vs 喜び (yorokobi)

Both words relate to happiness and positive emotions.

喜び is a general term for joy and delight, applicable to a wide range of positive feelings, from mild pleasure to strong happiness. 歓喜, on the other hand, refers to a more extreme, overwhelming, and often expressed form of joy, akin to jubilation or ecstasy. You might feel 喜び when you receive a gift, but you would feel 歓喜 if you won a major lottery.

合格の喜びは大きかったが、宝くじに当たった時の歓喜はそれ以上だった。

歓喜 vs 嬉しい (ureshii)

Both are used to express positive feelings.

嬉しい is the most common word for 'happy' or 'glad' and is used for everyday pleasant feelings, minor achievements, or good news. 歓喜 is reserved for moments of intense, profound happiness that often involve a sense of triumph or overwhelming good fortune. Using 歓喜 for something like 'the weather is nice' would be an overstatement.

良い天気で嬉しいです。しかし、長年の夢が叶った時は歓喜しました。

歓喜 vs 興奮 (kōfun)

Both can describe a state of heightened emotion.

興奮 (kōfun) means excitement, arousal, or agitation. It can be positive or negative, and it focuses on the stimulation and energy of the emotion. 歓喜 (kanki) is specifically about intense joy and elation. You can be 興奮 about a scary movie, but you would feel 歓喜 after winning a championship.

試合の展開に興奮したが、勝利の瞬間には歓喜した。

歓喜 vs 幸せ (shiawase)

Both relate to positive states of being.

幸せ (shiawase) refers to a broader, often more sustained state of happiness, contentment, and well-being in life. It's about having a good fortune and a general sense of peace. 歓喜 is a specific, acute burst of intense joy, often triggered by a particular event. One can experience 歓喜 as a peak moment contributing to overall 幸せ.

彼は人生に幸せを感じていたが、長年の目標達成の瞬間には歓喜した。

歓喜 vs 有頂天 (uchōten)

Both describe extreme happiness.

有頂天 (uchōten) means ecstasy or being beside oneself with joy, often implying a loss of composure or a state of delirium due to extreme happiness. It's very close in meaning to 歓喜 and can sometimes be used interchangeably, but 有頂天 might emphasize the 'out of control' aspect of the joy more strongly. 歓喜 is a slightly more formal and perhaps less 'wild' term for profound joy.

優勝の知らせに、彼は歓喜し、有頂天になった。

Sentence Patterns

B1

Noun + は + Noun + に + 沸く

チームの勝利は、街を<mark class='bg-purple-200 dark:bg-purple-800 px-0.5 rounded'>歓喜</mark>に沸かせた。

B1

Noun + が + Noun + に + 満ちる

長年の夢が叶い、彼の心は<mark class='bg-purple-200 dark:bg-purple-800 px-0.5 rounded'>歓喜</mark>に満ちた。

B1

Noun + は + Noun + を + あげる

合格の知らせに、彼女は<mark class='bg-purple-200 dark:bg-purple-800 px-0.5 rounded'>歓喜</mark>の声 をあげた。

B1

Noun + は + Noun + を + 流す

再会の喜びで、彼は<mark class='bg-purple-200 dark:bg-purple-800 px-0.5 rounded'>歓喜</mark>の涙 を流した。

B2

Noun + は + Noun + に + 浸る

歴史的な瞬間を、国民は<mark class='bg-purple-200 dark:bg-purple-800 px-0.5 rounded'>歓喜</mark>に浸った。

B2

Noun + は + Noun + に + 打たれる

偉大な発見の知らせに、科学者たちは<mark class='bg-purple-200 dark:bg-purple-800 px-0.5 rounded'>歓喜</mark>に打たれた。

C1

Noun + は + Noun + と + なる

そのニュースは、社会全体に<mark class='bg-purple-200 dark:bg-purple-800 px-0.5 rounded'>歓喜</mark>をもたらすものとなった。

C1

Noun + の + Noun + は + Noun + で + ある

長年の夢が叶った<mark class='bg-purple-200 dark:bg-purple-800 px-0.5 rounded'>歓喜</mark>は、筆舌に尽くしがたいものであった。

Word Family

Nouns

歓喜 (kanki) - great joy

Related

喜ぶ (yorokobu) - to be happy, to rejoice
喜び (yorokobi) - joy, delight
愉快 (yukai) - pleasant, cheerful
楽しい (tanoshii) - fun, enjoyable
嬉しい (ureshii) - happy, glad
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How to Use It

frequency

Less frequent than common words for happiness, but very impactful when used.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 歓喜 for minor happiness. → 試合に勝って、とても嬉しいです。

    歓喜 implies an overwhelming, profound joy. For everyday happiness like winning a game, 嬉しい (ureshii) is more appropriate. Using 歓喜 here would be an overstatement.

  • Incorrect stress or pronunciation. → kahn-KEE (stress on 'KEE')

    The word 歓喜 is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable ('ki'). Misplacing the stress or mispronouncing the sounds can make the word difficult to understand or sound unnatural.

  • Confusing 歓喜 with 興奮 (kōfun - excitement). → 試合の展開に興奮したが、勝利の瞬間には歓喜した。

    興奮 (kōfun) refers to excitement or agitation, which can be positive or negative. 歓喜 is specifically about overwhelming joy. While excitement can accompany joy, they are distinct emotions.

  • Using 歓喜 in very informal conversation. → 今日のランチ、すごく美味しかった！

    歓喜 is a relatively formal word. In casual conversation, simpler words like 嬉しい (ureshii) or 美味しかった (oishikatta - delicious) are more natural for expressing pleasant feelings about food.

  • Treating 歓喜 as a verb without 'する'. → 彼はその知らせを聞いて歓喜した。

    While 歓喜 is primarily a noun, it can be used with する (suru) to form a verb meaning 'to rejoice' or 'to feel great joy'. Simply saying '彼は歓喜した' without context might sound abrupt, but with する, it's a common grammatical pattern.

Tips

Intensity Matters

Remember that 歓喜 signifies a very high level of joy. Use it when the emotion is truly overwhelming and beyond simple happiness. For everyday pleasantries, stick to 嬉しい (ureshii).

Stress the 'Ki'

The stress in 歓喜 falls on the second syllable, 'ki'. Practice saying 'kahn-KEE' to ensure correct pronunciation. Avoid stressing the first syllable.

Formal & Impactful

歓喜 is often found in more formal contexts like literature or news reporting. When you use it, aim for describing moments of significant triumph or profound happiness that have a real impact.

Visualize Peak Moments

To remember 歓喜, visualize moments of extreme happiness: a championship win, a lifelong dream realized, or receiving life-changing good news. Associate the word with these peak emotional experiences.

Compare and Contrast

Understand how 歓喜 differs from related words like 喜び (yorokobi - joy) and 嬉しい (ureshii - happy). Recognizing these nuances will help you choose the most precise word for the emotion you want to convey.

Common Patterns

Familiarize yourself with common patterns like '歓喜に沸く' (to erupt in joy) or '歓喜の涙' (tears of joy). These phrases are frequently used and can help you incorporate 歓喜 naturally into your sentences.

Cultural Significance

In Japanese culture, while overt emotional displays might be reserved, moments of profound collective joy are significant. 歓喜 captures the essence of these impactful, often celebrated, emotional peaks.

Use in Sentences

Actively try to create sentences using 歓喜, describing hypothetical or real situations where such intense joy would be appropriate. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

Listen for Context

When listening to Japanese, pay attention to the context in which 歓喜 is used. This will help you understand its appropriate usage and the situations that warrant such a strong expression of happiness.

Descriptive Power

Use 歓喜 in your writing to add descriptive power and convey a profound sense of joy. It can elevate your narrative by capturing truly exceptional moments of happiness.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'KANGAROO' (sounds like 'kan') that is so happy it's 'KEY'-ing (sounds like 'ki') with joy. The kangaroo is jumping so high it's practically keying into the sky with happiness!

Visual Association

Picture a person standing on top of a mountain, arms outstretched, with confetti raining down. Their face is beaming with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and pure happiness. This is the feeling of 歓喜.

Word Web

Joy Elation Jubilation Ecstasy Delight Happiness Triumph Celebration Exultation

Challenge

Try to describe a time you felt extreme happiness using the word 歓喜. Write at least three sentences about that experience.

Word Origin

The word 歓喜 is a compound word formed from two kanji characters: 歓 (kan) and 喜 (ki). Both characters relate to positive emotions.

Original meaning: 歓 (kan) means to be pleased, delighted, or to rejoice. 喜 (ki) means joy, happiness, or to be pleased. Together, 歓喜 emphasizes a profound and often overwhelming feeling of joy.

Sino-Japanese (derived from Chinese characters)

Cultural Context

歓喜 is a very positive word. It is not used in negative contexts. When describing someone's emotion, it implies a genuine and powerful feeling of happiness. It is generally safe to use when describing positive events.

In English-speaking cultures, we might use words like 'ecstasy,' 'jubilation,' 'elation,' or 'overjoyed' to describe similar feelings. The context would often be a major celebration, a significant personal achievement, or a moment of profound relief.

The collective joy of a nation after winning a World Cup or Olympic event. The overwhelming happiness of parents upon the birth of a long-awaited child. The elation of scientists upon making a groundbreaking discovery.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sports victories

  • 歓喜の声をあげる
  • 歓喜に沸く
  • 歓喜の渦

Achievement of long-term goals

  • 歓喜に満ちる
  • 歓喜の涙
  • 歓喜の瞬間

Receiving significant good news

  • 歓喜する
  • 満面歓喜
  • 歓喜に打たれる

Major public events or celebrations

  • 歓喜に沸く
  • 歓喜の歌
  • 歓喜の奔流

Literary descriptions of profound happiness

  • 歓喜雀躍
  • 歓喜の頂点
  • 歓喜に酔う

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever experienced a moment of such intense joy that you felt 'kanki'?"

"What kind of events usually bring about 'kanki' in Japanese culture?"

"Can you think of a time when 'kanki' was expressed through songs or dances?"

"How does 'kanki' differ from simply being 'ureshii' (happy)?"

"When describing a major achievement, which word is more appropriate: 'yorokobi' or 'kanki'?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a personal achievement that brought you overwhelming joy, using the word 歓喜.

Imagine a fictional character who experiences profound 歓喜. What led to this moment, and how did they express it?

Reflect on a time you witnessed someone else's extreme happiness. Could you describe it as 歓喜?

How do you think the concept of 歓喜 is portrayed in Japanese media, such as anime or dramas?

Compare and contrast the feeling of 歓喜 with other strong emotions like excitement or relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

嬉しい (ureshii) is a general term for 'happy' or 'glad' and is used for everyday pleasant feelings. 歓喜 (kanki) refers to a much more intense, overwhelming, and profound joy or jubilation, often experienced during significant achievements or triumphs. Think of 嬉しい as being pleased, and 歓喜 as being ecstatic or overjoyed.

Use 歓喜 when describing moments of extreme happiness, such as winning a major competition, achieving a lifelong dream, or receiving incredibly good news that causes overwhelming delight. It's for peak emotional experiences, not for minor pleasures.

歓喜 is not an everyday word like 嬉しい. It's more formal and used to describe significant emotional events. You'll encounter it more in literature, news reports about major triumphs, or when someone wants to express a very deep level of happiness.

Yes, you can use 歓喜 to describe your own profound happiness, especially when reflecting on a momentous occasion. For example, '長年の夢が叶い、私は歓喜しました' (My lifelong dream came true, and I felt kanki).

Some common phrases include '歓喜に沸く' (to erupt in joy), '歓喜の声をあげる' (to raise cries of joy), '歓喜の涙' (tears of joy), and '歓喜に満ちる' (to be filled with joy).

It is pronounced 'kahn-KEE', with the stress on the second syllable ('ki'). Make sure to clearly pronounce the 'n' sound and the final 'ee' sound.

喜び (yorokobi) is a general term for joy and delight, applicable to a wider range of positive feelings. 歓喜 is a more intense, overwhelming, and often expressed form of joy, akin to jubilation or ecstasy. 喜び can be mild or strong, while 歓喜 is always strong.

No, 歓喜 is a purely positive word. It describes intense happiness and joy. It has no negative connotations whatsoever.

While excitement can sometimes accompany 歓喜, they are not the same. 歓喜 is specifically about the feeling of overwhelming joy. Excitement (興奮 - kōfun) is more about arousal and stimulation, which can be positive or negative.

Antonyms for 歓喜 include words for deep sorrow or grief like 悲嘆 (hitan), despair like 絶望 (zetsubō), and disappointment like 落胆 (rakutan).

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