gioioso

joyful

adjective joh-YOH-zoh Rare

Origin: From gioia (joy) + adjectival suffix -oso.

Also means

merry

Usage Note

Gioioso describes a lasting quality of joyfulness, not just a momentary expression of happiness. It agrees in gender and number: gioiosa (f), gioiosi (m pl). The famous Italian folk melody Inno alla Gioia (Ode to Joy) shares the same root. Compare felice (happy) and allegro (cheerful/lively).

Examples

"I bambini erano gioiosi durante la festa."

Natural Translation

The children were joyful during the party.

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