【Ordinary Conversation】Japanese words that express emotions

In this article, I will explain Japanese words that express emotions by genre. From well-known words to difficult ones, I will provide explanations, so try using them to surprise your Japanese friends!

喜び(よろこび) [Emotions of joy]

1. 嬉しい（うれしい）- happy, glad Often used
2. 歓喜する（かんきする）- rejoicing Rarely used in everyday conversation
3. 幸せ（しあわせ）- happiness, blessedness
4. 喜び（よろこび）- joy, delight
5. 楽しい（たのしい）- fun, enjoyable Often used
6. わくわくする – exciting, thrilled
7. 愉快（ゆかい）- pleasant, delightful
8. 有頂天（うちょうてん）- ecstatic, overjoyed Rarely used in everyday conversation
9. 得意（とくい）- proud, pleased with oneself
10. ほくそ笑む（ほくそえむ）- smirk, grin with satisfaction Rarely used in everyday conversation

I marked the commonly used words, but phrases like “本当ほんとうに嬉うれしい！(I’m really happy!)”, “まじでうれしい！(I’m seriously happy!)”, and “楽たのしみだね！(I’m looking forward to it!)” can make your expression more natural. However, be careful not to use these expressions with someone who is in a higher position than you, as it may be considered disrespectful 🙂

怒り(いかり) [Emotions of anger]

1. 怒る（おこる）- to get angry Often used
2. 憤る（いきどおる）- to be outraged Rarely used in everyday conversation
3. 立腹する（りっぷくする）- to be indignant
4. 感情的になる（かんじょうてきになる）- to get emotional
5. 烈火の如く（れっかのごとく）- like a raging fire
6. 腹を立てる（はらをたてる）- to be furious Often used
7. 激昂する（げきこうする）- to rage, to fly into a rage Rarely used in everyday conversation
8. 恨む（うらむ）- to bear a grudge, to resent
9. 憤慨する（ふんがいする）- to be outraged, to be indignant Rarely used in everyday conversation
10. 胸中を焦がす（きょうちゅうをこがす）- to burn with anger Rarely used in everyday conversation

I marked the commonly used words, but adding expressions like “イライラする(to be irritated)” or “腹はらが立たつ(to be angry)” can make it sound more natural. However, be careful when using these expressions with people of higher status, as they may be considered disrespectful 🙂

悲しみ(かなしみ) [Emotions of Sadness]

1. 悲しい（かなしい）- sad Often used
2. 悲嘆にくれる（ひたんにくれる）- to grieve Rarely used in everyday conversation
3. 痛烈な（つうれつな）- poignant Rarely used in everyday conversation
4. 切ない（せつない）- poignant, touching
5. 寂しい（さびしい）- lonely, desolate Often used
6. 涙を流す（なみだをながす）- to shed tears
7. 絶望する（ぜつぼうする）- to despair, to give up hope Often used
8. 哀しむ（かなしむ）- to mourn, to lament
9. 胸が痛む（むねがいたむ）- to feel heartbroken
10. 嘆き悲しむ（なげきかなしむ）- to mourn and grieve Rarely used in everyday conversation

When reading Japanese novels or manga, you may come across these words, so it’s a good idea to remember them!

驚き(おどろき) [Emotions of Surprise]

1. 驚く（おどろく）- to be surprised Often used
2. 衝撃（しょうげき）- shock
3. 震える（ふるえる）- to tremble
4. 騒然とする（そうぜんとする）- to become tumultuous Rarely used in everyday conversation
5. びっくりする – to be startled Often used
6. ショックを受ける – to be shocked
7. 目を疑う（めをうたがう）- to doubt one’s eyes
8. ガックリする – to be disappointed
9. 呆然とする（ぼうぜんとする）- to be stunned Rarely used in everyday conversation
10. 思わず声を上げる（おもわずこえをあげる）- to let out a cry of surprise Rarely used in everyday conversation

I marked the commonly used words, but adding expressions like “驚おどろいた～(I was surprised)” or “びっくりした！(Surprised!)” or “まじでびっくりした！(I was really surprised!)” can make it sound more natural. However, be careful when using these expressions with people of higher status, as they may be considered disrespectful 🙂