How to Say ‘I'm happy to see you today.’ in Japanese
今日は会えて嬉しいです。
kyou wa ae te ureshii desu
[kyoh wah ah-eh teh oo-reh-shee dess]
💬 Usage Tip: Pattern: [今日は] (topic) + [会えて] (glad we could meet) + [嬉しいです] (polite). Softer and safer than very direct compliments.
🇯🇵 In Japan: Polite [です] style is common on first dates in Japan. You can get more casual later if the chemistry feels mutual.
Phrase Breakdown
今日
kyou
[kyoh]
today
“Today.” In this sentence it’s the topic: “As for today…” A natural opener when you meet in person for the first time.
今日 は会えて嬉しいです。
Today, I’m happy we could meet.
は
wa
[wah]
topic marker “as for…”
Particle は marks the topic. After time words, it often means “today/this time.” Pronounced “wa.”
今日 はよろしくお願いします。
Today, nice to meet you / please be kind to me.
会えて
ae te
able to meet; having met
Te-form of the potential verb 会える (to be able to meet). Often used to express happiness/relief: “I’m glad I could meet you.”
会えてよかった。
I’m glad I could meet you.
Words in this phrase
会え
ae
[ah-eh]
be able to meet (stem)
Potential of 会う: 会える “can meet.” This stem plus て makes “aete,” commonly used to express appreciation for finally meeting.
やっと会え てよかった。
I’m glad we finally got to meet.
て
te
[teh]
-te (linking form)
Connects the verb to what comes next, often “and/so.” Here: “because we could meet → happy.”
会え て安心した。
I felt relieved that we could meet.
嬉しい
ureshii
[oo-reh-shee]
happy / glad
Adjective used for genuine happiness. On a date, it’s warm but not too intense—good for a first-meet vibe check.
会えて嬉しい。
I’m happy to meet you.
です
desu
[dess]
is / polite copula
Polite sentence ending. Makes your statement soft and respectful—common for first dates or first meetings.
嬉しい です。
I’m happy.
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