Meaning

Primary

Glad

Alternatives

Happy, Joyful

Word Type

い adjective

Explanation

This is a single kanji with an on the end, meaning you know it's probably an adjective. What's the adjective form of glad? It's also glad!

Reading

うれしい
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Whenever you're really glad to be alive, you look up at the sun's rays and sing, "Ooh, rays (うれ), I'm so glad you're here!" Then your Uncle Ray comes dancing into the room and sings back, "Ooh, Ray is happy you're happy!" The sun's rays and Uncle Ray both make you really happy.

Context

Context Sentences

今日は何だか嬉しそうですね。

You look happy today, for some reason.

百年前の今日、あなたが生まれてくれて嬉しかった。お誕生日おめでとう。

When you were born one hundred years ago today, I was happy. Happy birthday.

最近、嬉しいことが全然ない。

Nothing happy has happened to me lately.

Kanji Composition