What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sore (that), o (the object marker), kiite (hearing or having heard) and ureshii desu (am happy).
Which one should you use?
The version それを聞いて嬉しい is informal and should only be used with friends or family. The standard version, それを聞いて嬉しいです, includes desu at the end to maintain politeness.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase それを聞いて嬉しいです is a polite expression suitable for most social situations, including conversations with acquaintances or superiors. A more polite way to express happiness upon receiving new information is Kikasete itadakite ureshii desu.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the verb kiku (to hear) is used in its te-form as kiite to indicate the reason for the emotion of being happy.
How do you pronounce it?
sore o kiite ureshii desu
Did you know?
- In a professional setting, instead of saying you are 'happy', it is often more culturally appropriate to say 良かったです (yokatta desu), which translates to 'that was good'. This shifts the focus from your personal emotions to the positive outcome of the news itself.
- If you want to sound even more humble when receiving good news from a superior, you might use the verb 聞く (kiku) in its humble form, 伺う (ukagau). This changes the nuance from 'I heard it' to 'I have been graced with hearing it'.
- While English speakers say they are 'happy', using 嬉しい (ureshii) in Japanese specifically describes a temporary, emotional state of joy. It is distinct from 幸せ (shiawase), which refers to a long-term state of happiness or life satisfaction.
Examples in context
- 合格したと聞きました。それを聞いて嬉しいです。Goukaku shita to kikimashita. Sore o kiite ureshii desu.I heard you passed. I am happy to hear that.
- 体調が良くなったんですね。それを聞いて嬉しいです。Taichou ga yokunatta n desu ne. Sore o kiite ureshii desu.You are feeling better, I see. I am happy to hear that.
- 新しい仕事が決まったんですか？それを聞いて嬉しいです。Atarashii shigoto ga kimatta n desu ka? Sore o kiite ureshii desu.You got a new job? I am happy to hear that.
Example conversation
Yuta and Yui are talking about Yui's recent success in a competition.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんは優勝したそうですね。Yui-san wa yuushou shita sou desu ne.I heard you won the championship, Yui.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、とても楽しかったです！Hai, totemo tanoshikatta desu!Yes, it was a lot of fun!
- 陽太 Yotaそれは素晴らしいですね。それを聞いて嬉しいです。Sore wa subarashii desu ne. Sore o kiite ureshii desu.That is wonderful. I am happy to hear that.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます、陽太さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Youta-san.Thank you, Yuta.
