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How to Say ‘My grandmother would be happy to hear you say that.’ in Japanese

そう言ってもらえると、祖母も喜びます。

sou itsu te moraeru to sobo mo yorokobi masu

[soh eet teh moh-rah-EH-roo toh SOH-boh moh yoh-roh-KOH-bee mahs]

🇯🇵 In Japan: Passing a compliment on to a family member is a modest, gracious way to accept praise. It lets you take the compliment without seeming to praise yourself.

Phrase Breakdown

そう言ってもらえると、

sou itsu te moraeru to

When you say that (for me),

そう言う means 'to say so'. ～てもらえると means 'when I receive the favor of ～'. It shows thanks for a kind comment. Pause slightly at the comma.

Example

そう言ってもらえると、嬉しいです。

I'm happy to hear you say that.

Words in this phrase

そう

sou

[soh]

so; that way

Used to refer to something just said, like 'so' or 'that's right.'

Example

そうおもうひとがおおいです。

Many people think so.

言っ

itsu

[eet]

said; told (te-form, contracted)

From 言う → 言って. The small っ shows a pause (geminate). Used in “thank you for telling me.”

Example

教えて言ってくれて助かりました。

It helped that you told me (and let me know).

て

[teh]

and; -te form

A linking form used to connect verbs to following grammar, such as progressive or polite forms.

Example

仕事を探している人と話しました。

I spoke with a person who is looking for work.

もらえる

moraeru

[moh-rah-EH-roo]

can receive (a favor)

Potential of もらう; after te-form, to have someone kindly do something.

Example

手伝ってもらえると助かる。

It helps if you can help me.

と

[toh]

Indicating a condition.

Example

もし明日が晴れたら。

If it is sunny tomorrow.

祖母も喜びます。

sobo mo yorokobi masu

my grandmother will be happy too.

祖母 means 'my grandmother', も means 'too', and 喜びます means 'will be glad'.

Example

その話を聞いたら、祖母も喜びます。

My grandmother will be happy to hear that story too.

Words in this phrase

祖母

sobo

[SOH-boh]

(my) grandmother

Humble/formal word for your own grandmother.

Example

祖母は京都に住んでいます。

My grandmother lives in Kyoto.

も

[moh]

also; too

A particle meaning also or too.

Example

電話番号もお願いします。

Your phone number too, please.

喜び

yorokobi

[yoh-roh-KOH-bee]

to be happy; to be pleased

Stem of 喜ぶ, to feel joy or be delighted.

Example

母が喜びます。

My mother will be pleased.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.

Example

予約を確認します。

I will confirm the reservation.

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