We’ve all been there – someone shares exciting news, and we default to “happy to hear that.” While there’s nothing wrong with this classic response, having alternative ways to express your joy can make your reactions more meaningful and memorable.
Let’s explore 20 creative ways to say happy thoughts that’ll help you connect better with others, whether you’re writing an email, texting a friend, or chatting in person.
20 Other Ways to Say Happy to Hear That.
- “I’m thrilled to hear this wonderful news!”
- “That’s great news – I couldn’t be happier for you!”
- “What wonderful news – this absolutely made my day!”
- “I’m pleased to learn about this development”
- “That makes me so happy to know!”
- “Such a relief to hear this update”
- “I’m glad everything worked out so well”
- “I’m delighted to receive this news”
- “You’ve made my whole week with this update!”
- “This brings me such joy to hear!”
- “Happy to hear this fantastic news!”
- “This news absolutely made my day!”
- “How wonderful to hear this fantastic update!”
- “I’m overjoyed to learn about this!”
- “This is the best news I’ve heard all month!”
- “This fills my heart with joy!”
- “What a delightful turn of events!”
- “You’ve absolutely brightened my day with this news!”
- “I’m truly over the moon about this!”
- “This news puts the biggest smile on my face!”
1. “I’m thrilled to hear this wonderful news!”
This enthusiastic response works perfectly when someone shares a major achievement.
Example: In response to a colleague’s promotion email:
Dear Marcus,
**I'm thrilled** to hear about your promotion to Senior Project Manager! Your dedication over the past three years has truly paid off. Looking forward to seeing you lead the team to new heights.
Best regards,
Sarah
2. “That’s great news – I couldn’t be happier for you!”
This casual yet sincere response fits various situations, especially in personal conversations.
Example: Responding to a friend’s text about buying their first house:
"**That's great** news about the house, Emma! The neighborhood you chose is perfect for your family. When's the housewarming party? 😊"
3. “What wonderful news – this absolutely made my day!”
Use this when someone’s good news genuinely brightens your mood.
Example: Responding to a wedding announcement:
Dear James and Maria,
**What wonderful** news about your engagement! Your love story has been such a joy to witness, and I couldn't be more excited for your next chapter together.
With love,
Alexandra
4. “I’m pleased to learn about this development”
Perfect for professional settings where you want to show approval while maintaining formality.
Example: Responding to a business partnership email:
Dear Mr. Thompson,
**I'm pleased** to learn about the successful merger with TechCorp Industries. This strategic move aligns perfectly with our long-term goals.
Best regards,
David Chen
CEO
5. “That makes me so happy to know!”
This casual, warm response works well for close relationships and informal situations.
Example: Responding to a friend’s pregnancy announcement:
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"Oh my goodness, Lisa! **That makes** me so happy to know you're expecting! You and Tom will be amazing parents. ❤️"
6. “Such a relief to hear this update”
Perfect for situations where good news resolves previous concerns or anxiety.
Example: Responding to medical test results:
"**Such a relief** to hear your test results came back clear, Mom. We can all breathe easier now. Let's celebrate this weekend! 🎉"
7. “I’m glad everything worked out so well”
A versatile phrase that fits both casual and formal situations.
Example: Responding to a project completion email:
Hi Team,
**I'm glad** everything worked out so well with the Wilson account. Your persistence and creativity really showed through in the final presentation.
Cheers,
Rachel
8. “I’m delighted to receive this news”
Elegant and formal, this phrase works wonderfully in professional contexts.
Example: Responding to a grant approval:
Dear Dr. Martinez,
**I'm delighted** to receive this news about our research grant approval. Your tireless efforts in preparing the proposal have truly paid off.
Best regards,
Professor Williams
9. “You’ve made my whole week with this update!”
Shows genuine enthusiasm and personal investment in the other person’s success.
Example: Responding to a friend’s graduation news:
"**You've made** my whole week with this update, Jake! First in your family to get a master's degree - what an achievement! 🎓"
10. “This brings me such joy to hear!”
Perfect for expressing genuine happiness in both personal and professional settings.
Example: Responding to a colleague’s innovation award:
Dear Priya,
This brings me such joy to hear about your Innovation Excellence Award! Your groundbreaking work in sustainable design truly deserves this recognition.
Warm regards,
Michael
11. “I couldn’t be more thrilled about this!”
Shows maximum enthusiasm for truly special occasions.
Example: Responding to a family member’s recovery:
Read more about: 20 Other Ways to Say Happy Birthday in Advance
"I couldn't be more thrilled about your recovery, Uncle Jim! Can't wait to see you back on the golf course next month! 🏌️♂️"
12. “This news absolutely made my day!”
Perfect for showing how someone’s good news positively impacted you.
Example: Responding to a friend’s book deal:
"This news absolutely made my day, Sophie! I've watched you work on this novel for years - you deserve this success! 📚"
13. “How wonderful to hear this fantastic update!”
Combines enthusiasm with elegance, suitable for various contexts.
Example: Responding to a nonprofit’s fundraising success:
Dear Volunteers,
How wonderful to hear this fantastic update about exceeding our fundraising goal! Your dedication to our cause has touched so many lives.
Gratefully,
Executive Director Johnson
14. “I’m overjoyed to learn about this!”
Expresses intense happiness while maintaining sophistication.
Example: Responding to a friend’s adoption news:
"I'm overjoyed to learn about Tommy joining your family! You and Steve will be wonderful parents. Let me know when we can meet the little guy! 👶"
15. “This is the best news I’ve heard all month!”
Shows both enthusiasm and the personal impact of their news.
Example: Responding to a friend’s dream job offer:
"This is the best news I've heard all month, Alex! Landing your dream role at Google - I knew you could do it! 🚀"
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16. “This fills my heart with joy!”
A heartfelt response that works beautifully for emotional or significant life events.
Example: Responding to news about a successful adoption:
Dear Rebecca and Carlos,
This fills my heart with joy! After following your adoption journey for two years, hearing that little Sofia is finally coming home brings tears to my eyes. Can't wait to meet her! ❤️
Much love,
Elena
17. “What a delightful turn of events!”
Perfect for situations where good news comes after a period of uncertainty or challenge.
Example: Responding to a business recovery email:
Dear Shareholders,
What a delightful turn of events! Our Q4 results have exceeded all projections, marking a remarkable comeback from last year's challenges. Your patience and trust have been invaluable.
Best regards,
CEO Anderson
18. “You’ve absolutely brightened my day with this news!”
Shows how their good news has positively impacted your mood, making the connection more personal.
Example: Responding to a friend’s creative success:
"You've absolutely brightened my day with this news, Maya! Getting your artwork displayed at the city gallery is huge - we need to celebrate! 🎨"
19. “I’m truly over the moon about this!”
A playful yet sincere expression that works well for major achievements or long-awaited good news.
Example: Responding to a friend’s engagement:
"I'm truly over the moon about this, Jennifer! After watching you and Mark's beautiful relationship grow for five years, this feels like such a perfect next step! 💍"
20. “This news puts the biggest smile on my face!”
A warm, genuine response that works for both personal and professional contexts while maintaining authenticity.
Example: Responding to a mentee’s achievement:
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Dear Tyler,
This news puts the biggest smile on my face! Securing your first research grant is a tremendous achievement, and I couldn't be prouder of your growth as a scientist.
Warmly,
Dr. Martinez
w support, and make the person sharing their news feel truly heard and celebrated. Choose the expression that best matches your personality and relationship with the other person, and your joy will shine through authentically.
Tips for Choosing the Right Response
Remember that the best response often depends on:
- Your relationship with the person
- The formality of the situation
- The magnitude of the good news
- The communication channel (email, text, in-person)
Conclusion
Having various ways to express joy and excitement helps build stronger connections with others. Whether you’re happy to hear about someone’s success or want to celebrate their achievements, these alternatives help you respond authentically and meaningfully.
Remember, the key isn’t just using different words – it’s about conveying genuine happiness for others’ good fortune. Choose expressions that match your personality and the situation, and your responses will always hit the right note.
Logan Cooper is an experienced blogger at PhraseFocus, passionate about simplifying complex grammar rules and enhancing communication skills. With a keen eye for detail, Logan shares practical tips and engaging content to help readers improve their language mastery.