ブラボー
burabō
The English phrase "bravo" can be expressed in Japanese using ブラボー (burabō) or 天晴れ.
Meaning: interjection (intj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ブラボー | burabō | |
| 天晴れ | appare | [a̠p̚pa̠ɾe̞] (narrow) |
Which one should you use?
ブラボー is a direct loanword from the Italian word used to express excitement or applause. In contrast, 天晴れ is a more traditional Japanese way to express admiration for a feat or a magnificent performance. While ブラボー sounds modern and international, 天晴れ feels more native.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
天晴れ carries a formal, slightly old-fashioned or dramatic tone. ブラボー is often perceived as more theatrical or Westernized.
How do you pronounce it?
burabō
Did you know?
- The word 天晴れ is a linguistic descendant of the ancient term apare, which meant something 'deeply touching' or 'moving'. This is related to the modern Japanese word aware, which usually implies a sense of sadness or pathos.
- The kanji used in 天晴れ literally mean 'heaven' and 'clear weather', suggesting that a magnificent achievement is like a cloudless sky.
- Using 天晴れ in a modern, casual conversation may make you sound like a character from a samurai film.
Examples in context
- ブラボー！素晴らしい演奏でした。Burabō! Subarashii ensō deshita.Bravo! That was a wonderful performance.
- ブラボー！最高のゴールだ。Burabō! Saikō no gōru da.Bravo! That was the best goal.
- ブラボー！君の勇気に拍手を。Burabō! Kimi no yūki ni hakushu o.Bravo! Applause for your courage.
Example conversation
At a concert hall after a piano recital.
- 結衣 Yuiブラボー！本当に感動しました。Burabō! Hontō ni kandō shimashita.Bravo! I was truly moved.
- 蓮 Renありがとうございます。結衣さんにそう言ってもらえて嬉しいです。Arigatō gozaimasu. Yui-san ni sō itte moraete ureshii desu.Thank you. I'm happy to hear that from you, Yui.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さんのピアノ、本当に素敵でしたよ。Ren-san no piano, hontō ni suteki deshita yo.Ren, your piano playing was truly lovely.
- 蓮 Renまた聴きに来てくださいね。Mata kiki ni kite kudasai ne.Please come to hear me play again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bravo” translations and entries 天晴れ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 天晴れ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
