Translation guide
The English word "admirable" describes something or someone deserving respect, approval, or praise. In Japanese, expressing this concept depends on what is being admired—a person's character, an action, an effort, or an attitude. The most common and versatile word is 立派 (rippa), but other expressions like 感心 (kanshin), 見事 (migoto), and 偉い (erai) are used in specific contexts. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on the nuance you want to convey.
Use when praising someone's character, work, appearance, or overall excellence. This is the most common and broad meaning.
The most versatile word for 'admirable.' It can describe a person's character, a splendid building, a fine achievement, or even admirable conduct. It carries a sense of dignity and excellence.
彼は立派な人物だ。
He is an admirable person.
立派な仕事をしましたね。
You did an admirable job.
Emphasizes that something is splendid, brilliant, or skillfully done. Often used for performances, achievements, or beautiful natural scenes.
Means 'wonderful' or 'splendid.' While not a direct translation of 'admirable,' it is often used in similar contexts to express high praise.
Use when you want to praise someone's effort, hard work, or moral character, often with a sense of being moved or impressed.
Expresses being impressed or admiring someone's conduct, effort, or attitude. Often used when someone does something commendable, especially if it required effort or good judgment.
彼の正直さには感心した。
I admired his honesty.
毎日勉強するなんて感心だね。
It's admirable that you study every day.
Often used in casual speech to praise someone, especially children or subordinates, for doing something good or working hard. It can mean 'great,' 'admirable,' or 'commendable.'
Also used in this sense, especially for moral character or conduct.
Use when referring to a specific action that deserves admiration, often implying it was brave, selfless, or exemplary.
Literally 'admirable deed/conduct.' A straightforward way to describe an admirable action.
彼の立派な行いに感動した。
I was moved by his admirable deed.
Means 'admirable' or 'praiseworthy,' often used for someone's attitude or behavior, especially when they are being humble or diligent. Somewhat formal and less common in daily speech.
彼の殊勝な心がけに感心した。
I admired his admirable attitude.
Use when you want to say something is admirable in principle, but perhaps impractical or naive. This is a more nuanced, sometimes ironic usage.
Can be used sarcastically or to express that while something is admirable, it may not be wise. Context and tone determine the nuance.
無謀な計画に感心する人もいる。
Some people admire reckless plans.
Means 'admirable' or 'praiseworthy,' but often implies that the person is exceptionally kind or selfless to a degree that is unusual. Can be used sincerely or with a hint of 'you're too good for this world.'
立派 (rippa) is the most general and can describe people, things, and actions. 感心 (kanshin) focuses on being impressed by someone's conduct or effort, often with an emotional component. 見事 (migoto) highlights skillfulness or splendor, often for performances or visual beauty.
Direct translations like '賞賛すべき' (shousan subeki) exist but sound stiff and are rarely used in natural conversation. Stick to the common words listed above.
His performance was admirable.
見事な桜ですね。
The cherry blossoms are admirable (splendid).
彼の努力は素晴らしい。
His efforts are admirable.
You finished all your homework—that's admirable.
His attitude was admirable.
It's an admirable offer, but not realistic.