Ways to show happy expressions in English

Letting others know how we feel and talking about our feelings can be difficult. It is difficult in our own language, never mind when having to think about how to express these feelings in a language that you are still learning.

If you are trying to learn English as an additional language, there are many idioms and phrases that are used commonly, but you may not find them in traditional English lessons. Luckily, at italki.com, our English tutors make sure that we cover the phrases and details that other English lessons do not.

Take a look at some examples below of the happy expressions and phrases to help you get started that will help you show your joy and delight to others.

Examples of Ways To Show Happy Expression in English

Below are some of the main examples of commonly used idioms that show happiness. As well as including the happy phrases, we have also added some examples of how they can be used in a sentence to help you use these in your own conversations when speaking English.

On cloud nine

This idiom is commonly used when someone is very happy with a situation that they are in. Similar phrases from the English language that can be used with the same meaning include “on top of the world” and “over the moon”.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“I just found out the good news – I am on cloud nine.”

“When she finally passed her driving test, she was on cloud nine.” – past tense example

“I am on cloud nine after starting my new job.”

Having a whale of a time

If a person is enjoying themselves thoroughly, then they may use this idiom. This may be because a whale is one of the largest animals in the world, so it conveys the size of their enjoyment. It is often used when talking about fun scenarios.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“When he went on his first rollercoaster, he had a whale of a time” – past tense example

“I had a whale of a time when I tried skydiving for the first time.”

“You should join my exercise class; I’m having a whale of a time and losing weight at the same time.”

Like a dog with two tails

If we think about how other animals show happiness, dogs are one of the first animals that come into our minds. When they are happy, they wag their tails from side to side with excitement, and this is where this phrase came from. This idiom is often used when someone receives some good news that they are very happy about.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“I bought my first car, and I feel like a dog with two tails.”

“When he passed his exams, he was as happy as a dog with two tails.” – past tense example

“I just heard the good news – I bet you are like a dog with two tails.”

Happy bunny

If someone is described as a happy bunny, then they are happy and content with the situation that they are in. When someone uses this phrase themselves, they are likely to be pleased with their life. Often, the word ‘not’ is added to this phrase to show a persons’ discontent on a topic.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“He got ten Easter eggs in total – he was a very happy bunny.” – past tense example

“My heating has not been working for almost a week now. I am not a happy bunny!”

“I am a happy bunny that all my exams are over.”

Full of the joys of spring

If someone is excited and full of joy, with an enthusiastic approach to life, then they may be described as this, or in fact, describe themselves like this. Spring is the season when things come alive again, so it is clear to see why it would be used to show such happiness and excitement.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“I passed the test with an A grade, so I am full of the joys of spring.”

“I was full of the joys of spring when I found out I was going to be an uncle.” – past tense example

“I just found out that my son passed his driving test – he is full of the joys of spring.”

Smiling from ear to ear

If someone is so happy that they have a huge smile on their face, then this can be used to describe them. When someone has a big smile, it stretches from one side of their face to the other, which is where this phrase comes from.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“After he tried ice cream for the first time, he was smiling from ear to ear.” – past tense example

“I’ve just heard the news. I am so happy for you. If you could see me right now, you would see I’m smiling from ear to ear.”

Happy camper

Another happy expression that you can add to your English repertoire is the phrase ‘happy camper’. This phrase is normally said by someone who is content and satisfied with the situation they are in and do not want to change it. It can also be used to describe someone else. This phrase can be used when talking about personal life, or someone’s work life. Listen carefully when someone is using this phrase, however, if the word ‘not’ is added to the sentence, it has a different meaning. This would mean a person is extremely unhappy with their scenario.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“I just passed my driving test and got into university – I am a happy camper right now.”

“They are such a happy camper in their new job.”

“I was a happy camper until our boss changed at work – now I hate it.” – past tense example.

Over the moon

This has a similar meaning to the first expression on our list, “on cloud nine,” and it is often used to show extreme happiness. If a person uses this phrase, then their happiness levels are significantly higher than usual. Often, they are excited about new information or news that they have just received or about an experience that has just happened.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“Their daughter just graduated, so they are over the moon.”

“When he won the football match, he was over the moon.” – past tense example

“They just moved it to their new house and are over the moon!”

Paint the town red

And finally, the last on our list that can be used to describe excitement and happiness about an upcoming event or occasion is the phrase “paint the town red”.

Red, in this case, is a bright, stimulating, and exciting color that is linked with happiness. When a person is looking forward to something such as going to a party or visiting a new club with their friends, they may often use this phrase. Generally, it is often linked to the idea of a celebration or party.

How can this be used in a conversation?

“I’m heading out to paint the town red tonight.”

“We painted the town red last night at John’s birthday party.” – past tense example

“Enjoy yourself – go and paint the town red!”

How Can italki Help You

If you are looking to learn more about the English language and learn English online, then look no further than italki.com. Our expert staff can help you out with a number of different phrases in English, such as popular English idioms, and how to show your emotions with happy phrases you can add to everyday conversation.

Becoming familiar with happy expressions and the idioms that those who speak English use can take some time, but italki is here to help with different English classes online that you can select to learn more about the language.

Conclusion

The idioms that we have discussed above often come up in everyday English conversation, so it is important that you are able to understand them and use them to show a happy expression. There are other phrases used within the English language to show different emotions, and it can take some time to understand these. To help you understand these, consider booking a class with italki.com, where our English tutors can teach you everything you need to know about the English language. Book a class today to increase your confidence in English, and see your ability improve.