Title: Expressing Emotions in Japanese Adjectives

The Japanese language has a rich vocabulary of adjectives that express various emotions. In this article, we will explore some of the most common adjectives used to describe emotions and their English equivalents.


1. 嬉しい (ureshii) – Happy

嬉しい is a versatile adjective that can be used to describe anything that brings joy or happiness. It is often used to express gratitude, delight, and excitement. For example, when receiving a gift, one might say, 「うれしい！」(Ureshii!) which means "I'm so happy!".

2. 悲しい (kanashii) – Sad

悲しい is an adjective used to describe anything that causes sadness or sorrow. It is commonly used to express sympathy or empathy, such as when someone is going through a difficult time or experiencing a loss. For example, when hearing about a friend's breakup, you might say 「かなしいね」(Kanashii ne) which means "It's so sad".

3. 恥ずかしい (hazukashii) – Embarrassed

恥ずかしい is an adjective used to describe the feeling of embarrassment or shame. It can describe situations where one feels uncomfortable, such as when caught in an embarrassing situation or when revealing a personal secret. For example, when admitting a mistake, one might say 「恥ずかしいです」(Hazukashii desu) which means "I'm embarrassed".

4. 怒っている (okotte iru) – Angry

怒っている is a phrase used to describe the feeling of anger or rage. It can describe situations where one is angry at someone or something, such as when experiencing injustice or betrayal. For example, when confronting someone who has wronged you, you might say 「怒っている！」(Okotte iru!) which means "I'm angry!".

5. 焦っている (aseru) – Anxious

焦っている is an adjective used to describe the feeling of anxiety or nervousness. It can describe situations where one is worried about the future, such as when preparing for an important event or facing a deadline. For example, when waiting for an exam result, one might say 「おお、あせってきた」(Oo, asette kita) which means "Oh, I'm getting anxious!".

6. 驚いた (odorokita) – Surprised

驚いた is an adjective used to describe the feeling of surprise or shock. It can describe situations where one is caught off guard, such as when hearing unexpected news or seeing an unusual sight. For example, when seeing a magician perform a trick, one might exclaim 「びっくりした！」(Bikkuri shita!) which means "I'm so surprised!".

In conclusion, the Japanese language has a wide range of adjectives that express emotions. By mastering these adjectives, you can effectively communicate your feelings in a clear and concise manner. Whether you are happy, sad, embarrassed, angry, anxious, or surprised, there is an adjective in Japanese that can help you express your emotions.