Are you interested in learning how to say “good” in Japanese? Whether you are planning a trip to Japan, studying the Japanese language, or simply curious about Japanese culture, knowing how to express positive feelings is essential. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “good” in Japanese, both formally and informally. We’ll also provide regional variations, although they may not be commonly used in everyday conversations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Good
When addressing someone in a formal or respectful setting, such as with superiors, strangers, or in business contexts, it is important to use appropriate language. Here are different formal phrases to express “good” in Japanese:
1. いい (Ii)
The word “いい” is a versatile and commonly used term for “good” in Japanese. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. When pronouncing “いい,” remember to elongate the “i” sound. Example:
これはいいレストランです。(Kore wa ii resutoran desu.)
This is a good restaurant.
2. 良い (Yoi)
“良い” is another formal term for “good.” It is often used in polite conversations and written communication. Example:
お足元が良いといいんですが。(O-ashimoto ga yoi to iin desu ga.)
I hope you have a good journey.
3. 優れた (Sugureta)
If you want to emphasize that something is excellent or outstanding, you can use the word “優れた.” This formal word is perfect for expressing high praise. Example:
彼女は優れたスキルを持っています。(Kanojo wa sugureta sukiru o motteimasu.)
She has excellent skills.
Informal Ways to Say Good
When speaking with friends, family members, or peers, you can use more informal expressions of “good” in Japanese. These phrases create a friendly and relaxed atmosphere:
1. いいよ (Ii yo)
“いいよ” is a casual way of saying “it’s good” or “it’s okay.” It is commonly used among friends and in everyday conversations.
2. いい感じ (Ii kanji)
If you want to convey that something feels good or has a good vibe, you can use the phrase “いい感じ.” It’s a popular expression among young people.
3. いいね (Ii ne)
“いいね” is an informal way to say “good” in Japanese, often used in casual conversations or social media interactions. It can also express agreement or approval. Example:
この映画、とても面白かったよ！(Kono eiga, totemo omoshirokatta yo!)
This movie was really good!
いいね！(Ii ne!)
Good! / That’s great!
Regional Variations
It is worth mentioning that Japanese has several regional dialects. While the formal and informal phrases mentioned above are understood throughout Japan, the following regional variations may differ in pronunciation or usage.
1. Kansai Dialect
The Kansai dialect, spoken in the Kansai region (including Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe), has its own unique way of expressing “good.” In Kansai, people often say “ええ (Ee)” instead of “いい (Ii).” Example:
このうどん、めっちゃええ！(Kono udon, meccha ee!)
This udon is really good!
2. Tohoku Dialect
In the Tohoku region (northern Japan), people use the word “よし (Yoshi)” to mean “good.” It is a simple and commonly used expression. Example:
これ、よしとする？(Kore, yoshi to suru?)
Shall we consider this good?
Summary
In conclusion, there are various ways to say “good” in Japanese, depending on formality and regional variations. In formal contexts, “いい (Ii)” and “良い (Yoi)” are widely used, while in informal conversations, “いいよ (Ii yo),” “いい感じ (Ii kanji),” and “いいね (Ii ne)” are more common. Remember that language is influenced by culture and context, so it’s essential to choose the appropriate phrase based on the situation. Take this guide as a starting point to expand your Japanese vocabulary and enhance your communication skills!
