素晴らしい
subarashii[sɨba̠ɾa̠ɕiː]
The English word magnificent is expressed in Japanese as 素晴らしい (subarashii).
Japanese has several ways to express magnificence depending on the context. Use 素晴らしい to describe something that is grand, elegant or splendid in appearance. You can also use 壮大な to convey a sense of being grand, or 豪華な when you want to specifically emphasize both luxury and magnificence.
Meaning: grand, elegant or splendid in appearance (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 素晴らしい is a standard way to say magnificent, 壮大な is used to specifically convey a sense of being grand. If you want to highlight luxury and magnificence together, use 豪華な. In casual speech, the word すごい is used to mean magnificent, amazing, awesome or impressive. A more colloquial and emphatic version of this is すげえ.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Kansai dialect, the phrase めっちゃええ is used to mean awesome or really good.
How do you pronounce it?
subarashii
Did you know?
- The word 素晴らしい originally described something so intense or overwhelming that it made one shrink away in fear or recoil. It was not until the late Edo period that the meaning shifted from a negative sensation to a positive one.
- The colloquial word すごい is so versatile that it can mean magnificent, amazing or even 'terrible' depending on the speaker's tone.
- The phrase すげえ is a rougher and more emphatic version of すごい often used by men or in very casual settings to show awe.
Examples in context
- 昨日は公園にとても素晴らしいタンチョウを見ました。Yesterday at the park I saw a super magnificent red-crowned crane.This sentence is useful for seeing how to describe a magnificent red-crowned crane using 素晴らしい.Tatoeba #8498068 by Sisyphe_heureux, translation #11468870 by beannie
- 夜の花火は本当に素晴らしいですね。The evening fireworks are truly magnificent, aren't they?
- あの建物のデザインは壮大な美しさを持っています。The design of that building possesses a magnificent beauty.
- 結婚式の会場はとても豪華でした。The wedding venue was incredibly magnificent.
- この景色、すごく美しいね！This view is incredibly magnificent, isn't it?
- 素晴らしい景色が見えますね。Subarashii keshiki ga miemasu ne.You can see a magnificent view, can't you?
- 彼は素晴らしい声を持っています。Kare wa subarashii koe o motte imasu.He has a magnificent voice.
Example conversation
The two are looking at the view from a mountain top.
- 結衣 Yui蓮さん、見て！素晴らしい景色だよ！Ren-san, mite! Subarashii keshiki da yo!Ren, look! It is a magnificent view!
- 蓮 Ren本当だ、結衣さん。本当に素晴らしいね。Hontou da, Yui-san. Hontou ni subarashii ne.You're right, Yui. It really is magnificent.
- 結衣 Yui登ってきた甲斐があったね。Nobotte kita kai ga atta ne.It was worth the climb.
- 蓮 Renああ、最高の気分だよ。Aa, saikou no kibun da yo.Yeah, I feel amazing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 素晴らしい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 素晴らしい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
