よくやった
yoku yatta
The English phrase "you did a good job" is translated into Japanese as よくやった (yoku yatta).
よくやった is used to acknowledge the successful completion of a task or an achievement.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb よく (yoku), meaning "well" and the past tense of the verb やった (yatta), meaning "did".
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where "you did a good job" can be used between peers of equal status, using the plain form よくやった to a superior in Japanese would be considered rude.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form よくやった is informal. It is typically used by a superior to a subordinate or between close friends.
How do you pronounce it?
yoku yatta
Did you know?
- Using よくやった to praise a person's result can actually make them feel burdened by 'social debt', which is why many Japanese speakers prefer to praise effort instead.
- In Japanese media like anime, saying よくやった is often paired with a pat on the head. This physical gesture reinforces the social hierarchy, as it is usually reserved for children or pets.
- The word やった (yatta) can be used as a standalone exclamation meaning 'Yay!' or 'I did it!' In this form, it is a cry of personal victory rather than a compliment for someone else.
Examples in context
- いい仕事したねYou did a good job
- グッジョブGood job
- よくやったねWell done
- お疲れ様でしたGreat job, you must be tired
- よくやったね。Yoku yatta ne.You did a good job.
- 昨日のプレゼン、よくやったよ。Kinou no purezen, yoku yatta yo.You did a good job on yesterday's presentation.
- 最後までよくやった。Saigo made yoku yatta.You did a good job until the end.
Example conversation
Kenta is praising Himari after she finished a difficult project.
- 健太 Kentaプロジェクト、よくやったね。Purojekuto, yoku yatta ne.You did a good job on the project.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとうございます、健太さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Kenta-san.Thank you, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaとても助かったよ。Totemo tasukatta yo.It was a big help.
- 陽葵 Himariそう言ってもらえて嬉しいです。Sou itte moraete ureshii desu.I am happy to hear you say that.
