What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
happy
Example
I'm so happy to see you again! [happy: adjective]
Example
She smiled happily at the news. [happily: adverb]
joyful
Example
The children were joyful when they saw the presents under the tree. [joyful: adjective]
Example
He sang joyfully as he walked down the street. [joyfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Happy is more commonly used in everyday language, while joyful is less common and more often used in formal or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between happy and joyful?
Joyful is generally considered more formal than happy, and is often associated with religious or spiritual contexts.
