(しあわ)

しあわせ
noun, na-adjective
happiness, good fortune
1. happiness
A state of well-being and contentment.
(しあわ)せな人生(じんせい)
A happy life
(しあわ)(ねが)
To wish for happiness.
I'm happiest when I'm with my family.
2. good fortune, luck
Being blessed with favorable circumstances.
I'm fortunate to have met you.
It's truly fortunate to have gotten such a wonderful job.
There was a big earthquake, but it was a blessing that the whole family was safe.

(しあわ)せ functions as both a noun (happiness) and a na-adjective (happy). A fundamental word for expressing well-being and contentment.

FORMS:

  • Na-adjective: (しあわ)せな(ひと) (a happy person)
  • Adverbial: (しあわ)せに()らす (to live happily)

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • (しあわ)せに: Best wishes! (said at weddings)
  • (しあわ)(もの): lucky person
  • (しあわ)せを(かん)じる: to feel happiness
  • (しあわ)せになる: to become happy

KANJI VARIANTS:

  • (しあわ)せ (standard)
  • 仕合(しあわ)せ (archaic/literary)

RELATED:
(さいわ)い is a related word meaning "fortunately" (adverb) or "good fortune" (noun), but uses a different reading.