喜ぶ

• Reading: よろこぶ
• Romaji: yorokobu
• Kanji breakdown: 喜 (ki/yoroko) — joy, rejoice
• Pronunciation: /jo.ɾo.ko.bɯ/

Meaning

To rejoice; to be delighted; to be glad. Expresses genuine happiness or pleasure about something.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the ぶ row. Can be both transitive and intransitive. Often used to describe someone being pleased by a gift, news, or event. The te-form 喜んで is commonly used to mean 'gladly' or 'with pleasure.'

Examples

1. 子供たちはプレゼントをもらって喜んだ。 The children were delighted to receive presents.
2. 合格の知らせを聞いて、家族みんなが喜びました。 When they heard the news about passing, the whole family was overjoyed.
3. 友達が来てくれて、おばあさんはとても喜んでいた。 Grandma was so happy that her friend came to visit.

Usage Guide

Context: emotions, celebrations, daily life

Tone: positive

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The kanji 喜 combines 壴 (a drum on a stand) and 口 (mouth), suggesting joyful celebration with music and singing.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal