Japanese Conversation · Level 14
90 words
Japanese word
おめでたい
Pronunciation
Romajiomedetai
Meaning
- i-adjectivehappy
Example
今日はおめでたい日です。kyō wa o me de ta i hi de su
Today is a happy day.
More examples
卒業式は、みんなにとっておめでたい席です。sotsu gyō shiki wa mi n na ni to tte o me de ta i seki de su
The graduation ceremony is a happy occasion for everyone.
Core concept
おめでたい (omedetai) describes a situation that calls for joy or celebration, so it can mean happy or auspicious.
Common phrases
おめでたい人o me de ta i hito
naive person
おめでたい日o me de ta i hi
happy day
おめでたい知らせo me de ta i shi ra se
happy news
おめでたい席o me de ta i seki
happy occasion
おめでたい話o me de ta i hanashi
happy news
Similar words
めでたいmedetai: Describes a happy occasion or outcome, often with a traditional or formal tone.
喜ばしいyorokobashii: Describes something that brings joy and is worthy of being welcomed.
Definition in Japanese
祝い事などに際し、喜び祝うにふさわしいさま。iwa i goto na do ni sai shi yoroko bi iwa u ni fu sa wa shi i sa ma
Word origin
おめでたい (omedetai) is a native Japanese formation that adds the prefix お (o, "honorific") to めでたい (medetai), which developed from めでたし (medetashi, "praiseworthy").
Usage tips
- In everyday Japanese, おめでたい (omedetai) often describes occasions such as weddings and births, while おめでとう (omedetō) is used to congratulate someone directly.