いい
ii[iː]
The Japanese phrase for "something is good" is いい (ii).
いい is the standard way to express that something is good. Depending on the context and intensity you wish to convey, other words may be more appropriate: 素晴らしい can mean wonderful, excellent or splendid. 優れている implies that something is outstanding or superior. すごい means amazing, great or awesome. And 最高 translates to "the best".
Which one should you use?
While いい is the standard spoken word for good, it is often represented in writing using the kanji 良い.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word いい changes its form depending on how you use it in a sentence. The past tense is よかったです (it was good), and the adverbial form meaning "well" is よく.
How do you pronounce it?
ii
What mistakes should you avoid?
When expressing a negative, do not say いいにない. Instead, use the correct negative form よくない.
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the word いい can actually mean 'no' or 'stop it' depending on your tone and context, acting as a polite way to decline an offer.
- While いい is the standard, using the more formal よろしい (yoroshii) instead can instantly change your perceived social status from a peer to a professional.
- The word いい evolved from the classical Japanese word yoshi, which transitioned through several phonetic shifts over centuries to reach its modern form.
Examples in context
- 彼女の歌声は素晴らしいですね。Her singing voice is wonderful, isn't it?
- このレストランの料理は優れています。The food at this restaurant is outstanding.
- この映画はすごく面白かったよ。This movie was really interesting!
- このシャツ、デザインが最高だね！This shirt has the best design!
- この天気はいいですね。Kono tenki wa ii desu ne.This weather is good, isn't it?
- 気分がすごくいいです。Kibun ga sugoku ii desu.I feel very good.
- アイデアがとてもいい。Aidea ga totemo ii.That is a very good idea.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new cafe during a walk.
- 陽葵 Himariあそこのカフェ、いい感じだね。Asoko no kafe, ii kanji da ne.That cafe over there looks good.
- 陽太 Yota本当だ。陽葵、行ってみる？Hontou da. Himari, itte miru?True. Himari, do you want to try it?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、いいよ！Un, ii yo!Yeah, that sounds good!
- 陽太 Yotaじゃあ、入ろう。Jaa, hairou.Then, let's go in.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry いい, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries いい, CC BY-SA 4.0.
