喜び

• Reading: よろこび
• Romaji: yorokobi
• Kanji breakdown: 喜 (yoroko/ki) — joy, rejoice, delight
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɾo.ko.bi/

Meaning

Joy; pleasure; delight. A feeling of great happiness or satisfaction.

A noun derived from the verb 喜ぶ (yorokobu, to be pleased/delighted). Expresses happiness, delight, and the pleasure of a positive event. Common expressions: 喜びを感じる (to feel joy), 喜びの涙 (tears of joy), 大きな喜び (great joy). More literary and expressive than うれしさ (ureshisa, gladness).

Examples

1. 合格の知らせを聞いて喜びでいっぱいだった。 When I heard the news that I passed, I was filled with joy.
2. 子供の成長を見るのは親の喜びだ。 Watching your children grow is a parent's greatest joy.
3. 長い努力が実り、喜びの涙を流した。 After years of hard work, it finally paid off, and I shed tears of joy.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, celebrations, literature

Tone: warm

Origin & History

The noun form of the verb 喜ぶ (yorokobu, to rejoice). The kanji 喜 depicts a drum (壴) above a mouth (口), representing the joy of music and celebration.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal