朗(ほが)らか

朗(ほが)らか is a na-adjective describing a cheerful, bright, and open personality or atmosphere.

Forms

• Na-adjective: 朗(ほが)らかな + noun
• Adverb: 朗(ほが)らかに (cheerfully)

Common collocations

• 朗(ほが)らかな性格(せいかく): cheerful personality
• 朗(ほが)らかな笑顔(えがお): bright smile
• 朗(ほが)らかな笑(わら)い声(ごえ): cheerful laughter
• 朗(ほが)らかに話(はな)す: to speak cheerfully

Similar words

• 明(あか)るい: bright, cheerful (more common)
• 陽気(ようき): cheerful, lively
• 快活(かいかつ): lively, cheerful

Usage

朗(ほが)らか has a somewhat literary or refined quality compared to 明(あか)るい. It emphasizes an open, sunny disposition that puts others at ease.