What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of two parts: すごい, which literally means "amazing" or "extraordinary" and かっこいい, which is a combination of かっこ (appearance/shape) and ii (good), literally meaning "having a good appearance".
Which one should you use?
While すごい expresses amazement at a situation or scale, かっこいい specifically refers to something or someone being aesthetically cool or stylish.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The combination すごい、かっこいい！ is informal and is best used among friends or peers rather than in formal business settings. For a more polite approach, you can say すごいですね. If you are in a formal context and wish to emphasize the magnificent aspect of something, use すばらしいですね. For very casual situations, you can use すごい！ to mean "Cool!" or かっこいい！ to emphasize style or appearance.
How do you pronounce it?
Sugoi, kakkoii!
Did you know?
- The word すごい originally meant 'terrible' or 'frightening' in ancient Japanese. Over centuries, its meaning shifted from something scary to something impressively great or overwhelming.
- When reacting to something 'cool', Japanese speakers often accompany すごい with a sharp intake of breath through the teeth. This audible gasp acts as a non-verbal intensifier for the phrase.
- In very casual speech among young people, you might hear すげえ (sugee) instead of すごい (sugoi). This version sounds much more rugged or 'street' and is common in anime or casual male-dominated conversation.
Examples in context
- 君の新しい車、すごいですね！Your new car is amazing!
- その絵、すごい！That painting is cool!
- そのジャケット、かっこいい！That jacket is cool!
- すごい、かっこいい！Sugoi, kakkoii!Wow, that's cool!
Example conversation
Misaki sees Yota's new drawing at a cafe.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太くんの絵、すごい、かっこいい！Yota-kun no e, sugoi, kakkoii!Yota, your drawing is wow, so cool!
- 陽太 Yota本当？ありがとう、美咲。Honto? Arigato, Misaki.Really? Thanks, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misaki本当にセンスがいいね！Honto ni sensu ga ii ne!You really have great taste!
- 陽太 Yotaそう言ってもらえると嬉しいよ。So itte moraeru to ureshii yo.I'm happy to hear you say that.
