すごい
sugoi[sɨɡo̞i]
The English phrase "awesome" can be translated into Japanese as すごい (sugoi).
すごい is used to express that something is awesome, amazing or incredible. Other similar expressions include 最高, which means the best or fantastic and 壮大, which is used to express something on a grand or magnificent scale.
Meaning: excellent, exciting (adj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
すごい is an informal way to express amazement. For a polite version suitable for use with strangers or superiors, add です to the end to make すごいです. The form すっごい is a colloquial version used for emphasis.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that something was awesome in the past, use the form すごかった.
How do you pronounce it?
sugoi
Did you know?
- The word すごい was originally a negative adjective meaning 'terrible' or 'dreadful'. It evolved over centuries from describing something fearsome to something impressively great.
- In casual speech, Japanese people often use すごい as an adverb to mean 'very', even when the thing they are describing is not 'awesome'. For example, すごい 寒い means 'it is very cold'.
- Depending on the context, すごい can be used sarcastically to mean 'unbelievable' in a bad way, similar to how an English speaker might say 'That is just great' when something goes wrong.
Examples in context
- こりゃすごい！This is awesome.This sentence shows how to express that something is awesome.Tatoeba #219052 by small_snow, translation #1849064 by Spamster
- このアプリ、すごいよ。This application is awesome.This sentence is useful for saying an application is awesome.Tatoeba #9959791 by small_snow, translation #8783917 by carlosalberto
- すごい！もう桜が咲いてるよ。Awesome! The cherry trees are blooming already.This sentence is useful for expressing excitement about cherry trees blooming.Tatoeba #9795666 by small_snow, translation #9795668 by DJ_Saidez
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Yui are watching a magic performance.
- 健太 Kenta今のマジック、すごかったね！Ima no majikku, sugokatta ne!That magic trick just now was awesome!
- 結衣 Yui本当！すごい驚いたよ。Hontou! Sugoi odoroita yo.Really! I was so surprised.
- 健太 Kenta結衣、次はあっちを見よう。Yui, tsugi wa acchi o miyou.Yui, let's look over there next.
- 結衣 Yuiうん、楽しみ！Un, tanoshimi!Yeah, I'm excited!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “awesome” translations and entries すごい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
