Translation guide
The English word 'brilliant' has several distinct meanings: extremely bright or shining, exceptionally clever or talented, excellent or wonderful, and (in British English) a diamond cut. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Describing light, colors, or reflective surfaces that are intensely bright or radiant.
Verb meaning 'to shine', 'to sparkle', or 'to glitter'. Used for stars, jewels, eyes, etc. Can also be used metaphorically for brilliant achievements.
星が夜空に輝いている。
The stars are shining brilliantly in the night sky.
彼女の目は喜びで輝いていた。
Her eyes were brilliant with joy.
Na-adjective meaning 'vivid', 'bright', or 'brilliant' in color. Often used for striking, clear colors.
彼女は鮮やかな赤いドレスを着ていた。
She wore a brilliant red dress.
I-adjective meaning 'dazzling' or 'blindingly bright'. Used for sunlight, headlights, or anything so bright it's hard to look at.
太陽が眩しくて目を開けられない。
The sun is so brilliant I can't open my eyes.
Na-adjective meaning 'glittering', 'gorgeous', or 'brilliant'. Often used for luxurious, sparkling decorations or attire.
煌びやかな装飾が施された宮殿。
A palace with brilliant decorations.
Describing a person, idea, or performance that shows outstanding intelligence or skill.
Na-adjective meaning 'excellent', 'superior', or 'outstanding'. Commonly used for academic or professional brilliance.
彼は優秀な科学者だ。
He is a brilliant scientist.
彼女は優秀な成績で卒業した。
She graduated with brilliant grades.
I-adjective meaning 'wonderful', 'splendid', or 'magnificent'. Can be used for brilliant ideas, performances, or works.
Na-adjective meaning 'genius-level' or 'brilliant'. Emphasizes innate, extraordinary talent.
Na-adjective meaning 'wise', 'intelligent', or 'sagacious'. Often used for a brilliant mind or insightful person.
Expressing that something is fantastic, great, or highly pleasing. Common in British English.
The most common and versatile word for 'brilliant' in the sense of 'wonderful'. Works in most contexts.
その映画は本当に素晴らしかった。
That movie was absolutely brilliant.
素晴らしい！よくやったね。
Brilliant! Well done.
Na-adjective/no-adjective meaning 'the best', 'greatest', or 'awesome'. Very common in casual speech.
Na-adjective meaning 'splendid', 'magnificent', or 'brilliant'. Often used for impressive achievements or performances.
I-adjective meaning 'amazing', 'great', or 'incredible'. Very common in casual conversation.
Referring to a specific cut of diamond with many facets, or the diamond itself.
Loanword from English 'brilliant cut'. The standard term in Japanese for this diamond cut.
彼女の婚約指輪にはブリリアントカットのダイヤモンドが使われている。
Her engagement ring has a brilliant-cut diamond.
When 'brilliant' means 'very intelligent' or 'excellent', do not use words for physical brightness like 輝く or 眩しい. Use 優秀, 素晴らしい, etc. instead.
素晴らしい is the safest and most versatile for 'brilliant' as praise. 最高 is more casual and emphatic ('the best'). すごい is very casual and can mean 'amazing' or 'terrible' depending on context, but is often used positively.
それは素晴らしいアイデアですね。
That's a brilliant idea.
His performance is brilliant (genius-level).
彼女は聡明なリーダーだ。
She is a brilliant leader.
昨日のパーティーは最高だった。
Yesterday's party was brilliant.
That was a brilliant performance.
Brilliant! How did you do that?