素晴らしい
subarashii[sɨba̠ɾa̠ɕiː]
The English word superb is translated into Japanese as 素晴らしい (subarashii).
素晴らしい is used to express that something is of the highest quality or exceptionally good. While it means superb, it is frequently used to express general admiration for things such as scenery, performances or ideas.
Meaning: of the highest quality, exceptionally good (adj)
Which one should you use?
素晴らしい is a common formal term for superb. If you wish to express that something is flawless or faultless in a formal context, you may use the idiomatic phrase 非の打ちどころがない. For informal situations, you can use すごい for superb or amazing, 最高 for the best or awesome or the phrase めちゃくちゃいい to express that something is extremely good or superbly good.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the adjective into an adverb meaning superbly, replace the final -i with -ku to form 素晴らしく.
How do you pronounce it?
subarashii
Did you know?
- The word 素晴らしい once had a negative meaning, suggesting something so intense it caused a person to 'shrink away' in fear or discomfort.
- The formal idiomatic phrase 非の打ちどころがない literally suggests that there is no place where one could even begin to strike a blow of criticism.
Examples in context
- そのパフォーマンスは素晴らしかったですねThat performance was superb!
- あなたの料理は優れていますYour cooking is superb!
- その作品は非の打ちどころがないですねThat work is superb without a flaw, isn't it?
- すごいですねThat's superb! Impressive!
- そのゲーム、すごい！That game is superb!
- その曲、最高だねThat song is superb! Awesome!
- この料理、めちゃくちゃおいしい！This dish is superbly delicious!
- この展覧会は素晴らしいですね。This exhibition is superb!
- 素晴らしい景色ですね。Subarashii keshiki desu ne.It is a superb view.
- この料理は本当に素晴らしい。Kono ryouri wa hontou ni subarashii.This dish is truly superb.
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a movie at a theater.
- 結衣 Yuiこの映画は本当に素晴らしいね。Kono eiga wa hontou ni subarashii ne.This movie is truly superb, isn't it?
- 大翔 Hirotoうん、ストーリーが素晴らしいよ。Un, sutoorii ga subarashii yo.Yeah, the story is superb.
- 結衣 Yui大翔君のセンスは素晴らしいね。Hiroto-kun no sensu wa subarashii ne.Hiroto, your taste is superb.
- 大翔 Hirotoありがとう、結衣ちゃん。Arigatou, Yui-chan.Thanks, Yui.
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.
