楽しい
tanoshii[ta̠no̞ɕiː]
The English phrase "something is fun" can be expressed in Japanese as 楽しい (tanoshii).
The word 楽しい is used to describe an experience that is inherently enjoyable or pleasant. To express excitement and anticipation, you might use the onomatopoeic expression ワクワク. You can intensify your expression of fun using the adverb とても (very) or the adverb めっちゃ (super).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, the word おもろい is used to express that something is fun or interesting.
How does it change in a sentence?
Its past tense form, meaning "was fun," is 楽しかった. To express the negative, "is not fun," use 楽しくない. Additionally, 楽しむ is a verb form meaning "to enjoy".
Did you know?
- Japanese has no single word for 'fun' that covers both a 'fun party' and a 'fun fact', requiring speakers to choose between 楽しい and 面白い.
- Despite its long history, linguists cannot agree on how 楽しい was originally formed, with theories ranging from 'hand' and 'extend' to a 'rice paddy god'.
- Using めっちゃ to mean 'super' fun is a slang term that originated from the Kyoto and Osaka dialects before becoming popular nationwide.
Examples in context
- 旅行はワクワクするTraveling is exciting/fun!
- この映画はとても楽しかったですよ！This movie was really fun!
- 遊園地での乗り物はめっちゃ楽しかった！The rides at the amusement park were super fun!
- 料理が楽しいcooking is fun
- ゲームが楽しいplaying games is fun
- アウトドアスポーツが楽しいです。Outdoor sports are fun.
- ゲームはとても楽しいです。Gēmu wa totemo tanoshii desu.Games are very fun.
- 旅行は本当に楽しい！Ryokō wa hontō ni tanoshii!Traveling is really fun!
- このクラスは楽しいですね。Kono kurasu wa tanoshii desu ne.This class is fun, isn't it?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new hobby at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yui新しい趣味は何ですか？Atarashii shumi wa nan desu ka?What is your new hobby?
- 陽太 Yotaテニスはとても楽しいですよ。Tenisu wa totemo tanoshii desu yo.Tennis is very fun.
- 結衣 Yuiいいですね、私もやってみたいです。Ii desu ne, watashi mo yatte mitai desu.That's nice, I want to try it too.
- 陽太 Yotaぜひ一緒にやりましょう！Zehi issho ni yarimashō!Let's definitely do it together!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 楽しい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 楽しい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
