Expressing genuine happiness for someone else’s good news is a wonderful way to strengthen relationships and show empathy. While saying “happy to hear that” is perfectly acceptable, sometimes varying your responses can make your communication more engaging and heartfelt. Here are 15 alternative phrases, each with explanations and examples to help you naturally incorporate these other ways to say “happy to hear that” into your interactions.
Is It Good to Say “Happy to Hear That”?
Absolutely! Saying “happy to hear that” is a positive and supportive response that conveys your pleasure in someone’s good news. It’s a versatile phrase suitable for various situations, whether someone shares personal achievements, professional successes, or positive changes in their life. However, relying solely on this phrase can make your interactions feel repetitive. Diversifying your responses not only keeps conversations fresh but also allows you to express your emotions more precisely.
What to Say Instead of “Happy to Hear That”
- That’s Wonderful News!
- I’m Thrilled for You.
- That’s Fantastic!
- I’m So Glad to Hear It.
- That’s Great to Know.
- I’m Really Happy for You.
- How Exciting!
- That’s Awesome!
- I’m Delighted for You.
- That’s Excellent!
- Couldn’t Be Happier for You.
- I’m Over the Moon for You.
- That’s Superb!
- I’m Pleased to Hear That.
- What Great News!
That’s Wonderful News!
“That’s Wonderful News!” is an enthusiastic way to acknowledge someone’s positive updates. By using this phrase, you emphasize the joy you feel for their achievements or happy events, making your response feel more personalized and heartfelt.
Examples:
- When a colleague informs you about their promotion, you could say: “That’s wonderful news! You truly deserve this advancement.”
- If a friend shares that they’ve adopted a pet, you might respond: “That’s wonderful news! I’m so happy for you and your new furry friend.”
I’m Thrilled for You
“I’m Thrilled for You.” conveys a high level of excitement and happiness for someone’s success or good fortune. This phrase shows that you are genuinely pleased and share in their joy.
Examples:
- When you hear that a friend is engaged, you might say, “I’m thrilled for you! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.”
- If a family member gets accepted into their dream school, you might respond: “I’m thrilled for you! That’s an amazing achievement.”
That’s Fantastic!
“That’s Fantastic!” is a vibrant expression that communicates strong approval and joy. Using this phrase highlights your enthusiasm about the good news shared with you.
Examples:
- When someone tells you they’ve completed a marathon, you could say: “That’s fantastic! Your dedication is truly inspiring.”
- If a friend secures a new job, you might respond: “That’s fantastic! Congratulations on the new position.”
I’m So Glad to Hear It.
“I’m So Glad to Hear It.” is a warm and sincere way to express your happiness about someone’s news. This phrase conveys empathy and genuine pleasure in their positive developments.
Examples:
- When a friend shares that they’ve recovered from an illness, you could say, “I’m so glad to hear it! I wish you continued good health.”
- If a coworker mentions they’ve successfully completed a project, you might respond: “I’m so glad to hear it! Great job on the project.”
That’s Great to Know.
“That’s Great to Know.” is a thoughtful response that shows you appreciate the information shared and are pleased about the positive outcome.
Examples:
- Upon hearing that a neighbor’s garden is thriving, you could say: “That’s great to know! Your gardening skills are impressive.”
- If a friend tells you they’ve started a new hobby, you might respond: “That’s great to know! I’d love to hear more about it.”
Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Happy to See You” (With Examples)
I’m Really Happy for You.
“I’m Really Happy for You.” is a heartfelt expression that clearly communicates your genuine happiness for someone’s success or good news.
Examples:
- When a friend announces their engagement, you could say: “I’m really happy for you! Congratulations to both of you.”
- If a colleague shares that they’ve published a paper, you might respond: “I’m really happy for you! That’s a significant accomplishment.”
How Exciting!
“How Exciting!” is an enthusiastic phrase that shows your eagerness and joy about the news someone has shared with you.
Examples:
- When someone tells you they’re traveling abroad, you could say: “How exciting! I hope you have an amazing trip.”
- If a friend mentions starting a new business, you might respond, “How exciting! I wish you all the best with your venture.”
That’s Awesome!
“That’s Awesome!” is a lively and positive response that conveys your excitement and approval of someone’s good news or achievements.
Examples:
- When you hear that a friend won an award, you might say, “That’s awesome! You worked so hard for this.”
- If someone shares that they’ve learned a new skill, you might respond: “That’s awesome! I’d love to see what you’ve learned.”
- I’m Delighted for You.“I’m Delighted for You.” is a refined and sincere way to express your happiness for someone’s success or positive event.Examples:
- When a family member gets engaged, you could say, “I’m delighted for you! I wish you both a wonderful future together.”
- If a friend informs you they’ve moved to a new city, you might respond: “I’m delighted for you! I hope you love your new home.”
That’s Excellent!
“That’s Excellent!” is a strong affirmative phrase that shows your approval and happiness regarding someone’s good news or achievements.
Examples:
- When a colleague completes a major project, you could say: “That’s excellent! Your hard work really paid off.”
- If a friend shares that they’ve passed an important exam, you might respond: “That’s excellent! Congratulations on your success.”
Couldn’t Be Happier for You.
“Couldn’t Be Happier for You.” emphasizes that you are as happy as possible for someone else’s positive news, showing deep support and joy.
Examples:
- Upon hearing that a friend is expecting a baby, you might say, ” I couldn’t be happier for you! I wish your growing family all the best.”
- If someone tells you they’ve achieved a long-term goal, you might respond: “Couldn’t be happier for you! Your dedication truly paid off.”
Related Post: 15 Other Ways to Say “Proud of You” (With Examples)
I’m Over the Moon for You.
“I’m Over the Moon for You.” is a vibrant and enthusiastic way to express extreme happiness for someone’s good news or achievements.
Examples:
- When a friend gets engaged, you could say: “I’m over the moon for you! Congratulations on this wonderful milestone.”
- If a colleague shares that they’ve been promoted, you might respond: “I’m over the moon for you! Well deserved.”
That’s Superb!
“That’s Superb!” is an elegant and strong expression of approval and happiness regarding someone’s positive news or accomplishments.
Examples:
- Upon hearing that a friend has published a book, you could say: “That’s superb! I can’t wait to read it.”
- If someone tells you they’ve successfully completed a challenging task, you might respond: “That’s superb! Great job overcoming the obstacles.”
I’m Pleased to Hear That.
“I’m Pleased to Hear That.” is a courteous and sincere way to express your happiness about someone’s good news or positive developments.
Examples:
- When a colleague informs you they’ve resolved a difficult issue, you could say: “I’m pleased to hear that. Great work!”
- If a friend shares that they’ve started a new chapter in their life, you might respond: “I’m pleased to hear that. Wishing you all the best.”
What Great News!
“What Great News!” is an enthusiastic and positive response that highlights your excitement and approval of the information shared.
Examples:
- Upon hearing that a friend has secured a scholarship, you could say: “What great news! Congratulations on your achievement.”
- If someone tells you they’ve moved into a new home, you might respond: “What great news! I hope you love your new place.”
Final Thoughts
Sharing in someone else’s joy is one of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to show you care. While “happy to hear that” is a classic, positive response, exploring other ways to say “happy to hear that” can make your words more impactful and heartfelt. By using varied expressions like “I’m thrilled for you” or “That’s fantastic,” you can convey genuine enthusiasm and support in a way that feels more personal. The next time someone shares the good news with you, consider trying one of these alternatives to add warmth and sincerity to your response.

Thomas Schneider is a language enthusiast and expert in synonyms, dedicated to exploring the beauty of words and their nuanced meanings. With a passion for linguistics and clear communication, Thomas helps readers enrich their vocabulary and understand the subtle art of word choice. Whether you’re a writer, student, or language lover, his insights offer practical tools to elevate your language skills.
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