あなたにはその資格がある
anata ni wa sono shikaku ga aru
The English phrase "you deserve it" can be translated into Japanese as あなたにはその資格がある (anata ni wa sono shikaku ga aru).
This phrase is used to express that someone has earned a specific status, right or merit through their character or their actions. It is specifically used to tell someone they have earned a positive reward or result through their hard work.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of anata ni wa (to/for you), sono (that), shikaku (qualification/right/status) and ga aru (exists).
How do you pronounce it?
anata ni wa sono shikaku ga aru
Did you know?
- Using the word あなた ('anata') for 'you' can actually feel confrontational or overly formal in Japanese. In a natural conversation, a speaker would usually replace it with the person's name and a suffix like さん ('san').
- Japanese culture often emphasizes modesty, so a person receiving this compliment might respond with いえいえ ('ie ie'), which means 'no, no', even if they know they earned it.
- To express 'you deserve it' in a negative sense, such as 'it serves you right', Japanese uses a completely different phrase: 自業自得 ('jigou jitoku').
Examples in context
- おめでとうございます！この昇進は当然のことです。Congratulations! This promotion is well-deserved.
- 頑張ったね！この勝利は君にふさわしいよ。You did well! This victory is worthy of you.
- すごいね！君はその栄誉を手に入れる価値がある。You're amazing! You deserve to receive that honor.
- 努力した結果だから、あなたにはその資格がある。Doryoku shita kekka dakara, anata ni wa sono shikaku ga aru.It is the result of your hard work, so you deserve it.
Example conversation
Yota is congratulating Yui on her promotion.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さん、昇進おめでとう！Yui-san, shoushin omedetou!Yui, congratulations on the promotion!
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、陽太さん。信じられないよ。Arigatou, Youta-san. Shinjirarenai yo.Thank you, Yota. I can't believe it.
- 陽太 Yotaずっと努力していたし、あなたにはその資格がある。Zutto doryoku shite ita shi, anata ni wa sono shikaku ga aru.You've been putting in effort, so you deserve it.
- 結衣 Yuiそう言ってくれて嬉しい。頑張ってよかった。Sou itte kurete ureshii. Ganbatte yokatta.I'm happy you said that. I'm glad I worked hard.
