There are many situations where someone shares good news with you and you want to express that you’re happy to hear what they said. Simply responding “That’s great!” or “I’m so happy for you!” can start to feel repetitive.
Having alternative ways to say “happy to hear that” can help you sound more enthusiastic and keep conversations positive and engaging.
In this blog post, I’ll provide you with 10 other ways to respond when someone tells you something good has happened to them. With this list, you’ll never lose words again when you want to convey that you’re happy to hear their news.
From expressing excitement to showing appreciation, to emphasizing how happy you are for the person, there are many options to switch up how you respond.
By expanding your vocabulary in this area, your conversations will become richer and more dynamic. Read on for 10 great alternatives you can start using right away the next time you want to say “I’m happy to hear that!”
Is It Good to Say “Happy to Hear That”?
Saying “happy to hear that” is generally a very positive response when someone shares good news with you. It conveys that you are genuinely happy for the person and enthusiastic about what they told you.
Using this phrase lets the person know that you appreciate them sharing their news with you and that you are pleased to hear about their positive update or development.
While “happy to hear that” is a great standard response, it can become repetitive if overused. That’s why it’s helpful to have alternative ways to express the same sentiment. Varying your responses with synonyms and different phrasing makes conversations more dynamic and interesting.
Some people may prefer responses that focus more on celebrating their achievement or expressing excitement. Others may want words that show you relate to their situation and emotions.
Having options like “Congratulations!”, “I’m thrilled for you!”, or “I know how much that means to you” can make your reactions more meaningful.
What to Say Instead of “Happy to Hear That”
- That’s great to hear!
- I’m so glad to hear that.
- That makes me very happy.
- What wonderful news!
- I’m thrilled to hear that.
- That put a smile on my face.
- You’ve made my day with that news.
- I’m so pleased to hear that.
- That’s such a relief to hear.
- I’m delighted that’s the case.
1. That’s great to hear!
“That’s great to hear!” is an enthusiastic response that conveys a sense of joy and approval upon receiving good news.
This expression is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a popular choice for everyday conversations.
It implies that the speaker is not only happy about the news but also finds it remarkable or noteworthy.
- For example, if a friend shares their recent job promotion, you might respond with, “Congratulations, that’s great to hear! Your hard work truly paid off.”
- In a professional setting, upon hearing about successful project completion, one might say, “I’m impressed with your team’s performance, that’s great to hear.”
2. I’m so glad to hear that.
Expressing that you’re “so glad to hear that” conveys a deep sense of personal happiness and satisfaction with the news received.
It’s a heartfelt response that shows empathy and a strong connection to the person sharing the news. This phrase is particularly effective in situations where the news has a significant positive impact on someone you care about.
- For instance, if a relative tells you they’re expecting a baby, you might say, “That’s wonderful, I’m so glad to hear that! The family is growing.”
- When a colleague overcomes a challenging situation, you might comment, “I knew you could do it, I’m so glad to hear that it worked out.”
3. That makes me very happy.
Saying “That makes me very happy” is a direct way to express that the news brings personal joy.
It implies a strong emotional connection to the outcome and shows that the news positively affects your mood or state of mind.
This expression is often used in close relationships to convey genuine happiness for someone else’s achievements or good fortune.
- For example, when a friend graduates from college, you might say, “Seeing you achieve your goals makes me very happy. Congratulations!”
- If a family member recovers from an illness, you could express, “Hearing about your recovery makes me very happy; health is the most important.”
4. What wonderful news!
The exclamation “What wonderful news!” is an expressive way to acknowledge that the information shared is exceptionally positive and welcome.
It emphasizes the speaker’s perception of the news as being particularly delightful or fortunate. This phrase is suitable for a wide range of situations, from personal achievements to general good fortunes.
- For instance, if a neighbor tells you they won a community award, you might respond, “Really? What wonderful news! Your dedication to the community is admirable.”
- When a colleague announces they’re moving to a dream location, you might say, “That’s a big step, what wonderful news! I wish you all the best in your new home.”
5. I’m thrilled to hear that.
“I’m thrilled to hear that” conveys a level of excitement and elation about the news that goes beyond mere happiness.
It suggests that the news is not only positive but also somewhat exhilarating or deeply satisfying to the speaker.
This phrase is often used when the news aligns closely with the speaker’s hopes, desires, or expectations.
- For example, if a sibling shares news of getting into their top-choice university, you might say, “You worked so hard for this, I’m thrilled to hear that you got in!”
- In a professional context, upon learning your company has landed a major contract, you might express, “This is a game-changer for us, I’m thrilled to hear that we secured the deal.”
6. That put a smile on my face.
The phrase “That put a smile on my face” is a vivid way to express that the news brought immediate joy and pleasure, visually represented by the act of smiling.
It suggests that the news had a direct and positive impact on the speaker’s mood, often used in both personal and professional contexts to convey genuine contentment and approval.
- For example, if a friend shares a small but meaningful achievement, you might respond with, “Hearing about your success put a smile on my face. Keep up the great work!”
- When receiving a thank-you note from a client, you could reply, “Your kind words put a smile on my face. It was a pleasure working with you.”
7. You’ve made my day with that news.
Saying “You’ve made my day with that news” elevates the impact of the news to a level where it significantly brightens the speaker’s entire day.
This expression conveys a profound sense of appreciation and happiness, indicating that the news stands out as a highlight in the speaker’s day.
It’s particularly effective in personal conversations where emotional bonds are strong.
- For instance, if a loved one shares an unexpected positive development, you might say, “You’ve made my day with that news! I’m so happy for you.”
- When a colleague shares news of team achievement, you might express, “This is fantastic, you’ve made my day with that news! Congratulations to everyone involved.”
8. I’m so pleased to hear that.
“I’m so pleased to hear that” is a polite and formal way to express satisfaction and happiness about the news received.
This phrase is often used in professional settings or when a certain level of decorum is required, effectively conveying approval without overstepping boundaries of formality.
- For example, when a mentee informs you about their recent professional advancement, you might say, “Your progress is impressive, I’m so pleased to hear that you’ve been promoted.”
- In a formal setting, upon hearing positive feedback about a project, one might respond, “Thank you for your feedback, I’m so pleased to hear that our efforts have been well received.”
9. That’s such a relief to hear.
The expression “That’s such a relief to hear” is used when the news alleviates worries, concerns, or uncertainties, providing comfort and reassurance.
It’s particularly appropriate in situations where there was prior tension or anxiety regarding the outcome, and the positive news brings a welcome sense of release.
- For instance, if a friend awaits important medical results, you might say, “I’ve been so worried, that’s such a relief to hear everything is fine.”
- When a project faces significant challenges but ultimately succeeds, you might express, “Given the hurdles we faced, that’s such a relief to hear we’ve delivered successfully.”
10. I’m delighted that’s the case.
“I’m delighted that’s the case” is a formal and sophisticated way to express intense pleasure and happiness about the situation or outcome being discussed.
This phrase conveys a strong personal satisfaction and is often used in both personal and professional contexts where a high level of respect and formality is maintained.
- For example, if a colleague completes a difficult task, you might say, “Your dedication is commendable, I’m delighted that’s the case.”
- In a personal context, upon learning a family member has achieved a long-sought goal, you could express, “Your perseverance is inspiring, I’m delighted that’s the case. Congratulations!”