すごい
sugoi[sɨɡo̞i]
The English word "amazing" is translated into Japanese as すごい (sugoi).
すごい is used to describe something possessing uniquely wonderful qualities. However, depending on the context, it can also describe something as terrible or extreme in an intense way.
Meaning: possessing uniquely wonderful qualities (adj)
Which one should you use?
すごい is a common, colloquial way to say amazing. For a more formal way to express this, use 素晴らしい. In very casual speech, you might hear the emphatic すっごい, which functions as "super amazing" or "really amazing" by doubling the consonant and lengthening the vowel. Another casual option is やばい, which is used to mean amazing or awesome in a positive context.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
すごい is considered somewhat colloquial or informal. For a more polite or formal alternative, use 素晴らしい.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say something "was amazing," use the past tense form すごかった. To express that something is "too amazing" or "excessively amazing," you can add the suffix すぎる to the stem to create すごすぎる.
How do you pronounce it?
sugoi
Did you know?
- While すごい now means 'amazing', it originally described something 'terrifying' or 'frightening'. This explains why it is still used to describe intense, overwhelming, or even negative experiences.
- The word やばい originally meant 'dangerous' or 'risky' and was used by criminals. Today, it is one of the most common ways for young people to say something is 'amazing'.
- By doubling the consonant to create すっごい, the speaker adds a layer of emotional intensity that is common in anime and casual street speech.
Examples in context
- すごいですね。It's amazing.This is useful for expressing that something is amazing.Tatoeba #214726 by bunbuku, translation #52021 by CM
- 最近の車はすごい。Cars today are amazing.This is useful for describing how modern cars are amazing.Tatoeba #5748453 by daifons, translation #5747794 by CM
- おはよう。すごい雨だね。Good morning. Isn't this rain amazing?This is useful for commenting on how the rain is amazing.Tatoeba #3702809 by tommy_san, translation #3844659 by Youmu970
- あの展示は素晴らしいですね。That exhibition is amazing, isn't it?
- 今日の試合はすごかった！Today's match was amazing!
- このお店のラーメンめちゃうまいよ！The ramen at this shop is amazingly delicious!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are looking at a beautiful view from a mountain top.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、見て！すごい景色だよ。Yui, mite! Sugoi keshiki da yo.Yui, look! It is an amazing view.
- 結衣 Yui本当だね、健太。すごい！Hontou da ne, Kenta. Sugoi!You're right, Kenta. Amazing!
- 健太 Kentaここまで登ってきてよかった。Koko made nobote kite yokatta.I'm glad we climbed up here.
- 結衣 Yui最高の気分だよ。Saikou no kibun da yo.I feel amazing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry すごい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
