Translation guide
Expressing tears that come from thankfulness or being deeply moved by kindness.
Crying because you feel grateful or touched by someone's kindness.
Literally 'happy tears'. Commonly used when tears are from joy or gratitude.
彼女の優しさに、嬉し涙が出た。
I shed tears of gratitude at her kindness.
Directly 'tears of gratitude'. More literal and slightly formal.
感謝の涙が止まらなかった。
I couldn't stop the tears of gratitude.
Crying because you are emotionally overwhelmed by someone's goodwill or a touching gesture.
Idiom meaning 'one's heart grows warm', often leading to tears from being moved.
彼の手紙を読んで胸が熱くなり、涙が出た。
Reading his letter, my heart grew warm and I cried.
嬉し涙 is broader and covers any happy tears, while 感謝の涙 specifically emphasizes thankfulness. In casual conversation, 嬉し涙 is more natural unless you want to stress gratitude.
Japanese often describes the action of crying rather than the tears themselves. For example, 涙が出る (tears come out) or 涙がこぼれる (tears spill) are common.
Tears from feeling deeply thankful or indebted. Somewhat old-fashioned or literary.
師の恩に、ありがた涙を流した。
I shed tears of gratitude for my teacher's kindness.
Tears of being moved or touched. Often overlaps with gratitude.
サプライズに感動の涙を流した。
I shed tears of emotion at the surprise.