至福
shifuku
Bliss in Japanese is expressed as 至福 (shifuku). Wiktionary also lists 幸福 (kōfuku).
Meaning: perfect happiness (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 至福 | shifuku | |
| 幸福 | kōfuku | [ko̞ːɸɯ̟̊kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term refers to perfect happiness.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 至福 (shifuku) is composed of the characters 至, meaning to reach or attain and 福, meaning happiness or fortune.
Which one should you use?
While both words relate to happiness, 至福 (shifuku) refers to an intense, supreme or transcendent state of bliss. In contrast, 幸福 (kōfuku) refers to a more general state of well-being or happiness.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the noun 至福 (shifuku) as an adjective meaning "blissful", you must add the particle の (no) to form 至福の (shifuku no).
How do you pronounce it?
shifuku
Did you know?
- The character 福 (fuku) found in 'bliss' is frequently displayed on New Year banners, not just to represent happiness, but as a physical charm to attract fortune into a household.
- If you are eating something so good it feels like 'bliss', Japanese people might skip the word for bliss entirely and simply say 美味しすぎる (oishisugiru).
- In Japanese, the word 至福 (shifuku) is common in advertisements for luxury cakes and high-end baths to imply the sensory experience is almost transcendental.
Examples in context
- 彼女との時間は、私にとって完全な幸福です。The time I spend with her is complete bliss to me.
- この美しい景色を見ていると、極楽のような気分になります。Looking at this beautiful scenery makes me feel like I'm in paradise.
- それは至福のひとときでした。Sore wa shifuku no hitotoki deshita.It was a moment of bliss.
- 温泉に浸かるのは至福です。Onsen ni tsukaru no wa shifuku desu.Soaking in a hot spring is pure bliss.
- 読書は私にとって至福の時間です。Dokusho wa watashi ni totte shifuku no jikan desu.Reading is a time of bliss for me.
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are relaxing at a quiet cafe.
- 健太 Kentaこのコーヒー、最高だね。Kono koohii, saikou da ne.This coffee is the best.
- 結衣 Yui本当に、至福の味だよ。Hontou ni, shifuku no aji da yo.Truly, it tastes like bliss.
- 健太 Kenta結衣と一緒に過ごせて嬉しいよ。Yui to issho ni sugosete ureshii yo.I am happy to be spending time with you, Yui.
- 結衣 Yui私も、とても幸せ。Watashi mo, totemo shiawase.I am very happy too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bliss” translations and entries 至福, 幸福, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
