よくやった
yoku yatta
In Japanese, "great job" is expressed as よくやった (yoku yatta).
The phrase is used to say "well done" or "congrats!" While it focuses on the successful completion of an action, be aware that it can sometimes sound patronizing if used by a peer toward another peer.
Meaning: well done, congrats! (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
よくやった is composed of the adverb yoku (well) and the past tense of the verb yaru (to do or perform).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
よくやった is an informal expression typically used by someone in a higher position, such as a teacher or a boss, toward a subordinate or between close friends. For formal situations, you might use すばらしい仕事ですね (great job or wonderful work) or 素晴らしい成果ですね (great achievement or wonderful result).
How do you pronounce it?
yoku yatta
When do people say it?
When you want to acknowledge someone's hard work or the completion of a task in a professional setting, it is more culturally appropriate to use お疲れ様.
Did you know?
- In Japanese anime and manga, よくやった is a stereotypical phrase used by villains or leaders when a henchman successfully completes a mission.
- If a boss says よくやった to an employee, the employee might respond with a humble denial rather than a 'thank you' to avoid appearing arrogant.
- Because よくやった is so hierarchical, using it toward a superior is not just informal but can be seen as an insult, as if you are grading their performance.
Examples in context
- あのレポートはすばらしい成果ですね。お疲れ様でした。That report had wonderful results. Thank you for your hard work.
- 試験の結果がよくて、よくやったね！Your exam results were great, well done!
- よくやったね。yoku yatta ne.You did a great job.
- 昨日の試合、よくやったよ。kinou no shiai, yoku yatta yo.You did a great job in yesterday's match.
- 最後までよくやった。saigo made yoku yatta.You did a great job until the very end.
Example conversation
A father praises his son for finishing a difficult puzzle.
- 陽太 Yotaできたよ！dekita yo!I did it!
- 陽葵 Himariよくやった！yoku yatta!Great job!
- 陽太 Yotaすごく難しかったんだ。sugoku muzukashikatta n da.It was really difficult.
- 陽葵 Himari最後まで諦めなかったね。saigo made akiramenakatta ne.You didn't give up until the end.
