Translation guide
How to give compliments naturally in Japanese, from casual praise to formal expressions of admiration.
Expressing admiration or approval for someone's appearance, skill, or achievement.
A versatile, casual compliment meaning 'amazing' or 'great'. Can be used for skills, achievements, or impressive things.
すごい！
That's amazing!
日本語がすごいですね。
Your Japanese is amazing.
Means 'skillful' or 'good at'. Commonly used to compliment someone's ability, like cooking, sports, or language.
Means 'lovely', 'wonderful', or 'nice'. Often used for appearance, style, or atmosphere.
Casual 'nice' or 'good'. Very common in everyday conversation, similar to 'that's nice' or 'I like it'.
そのアイデア、いいね。
That's a nice idea.
Praising someone's looks, style, or physical features.
Giving compliments in more formal situations, such as to superiors, strangers, or in business settings.
Polite version of 上手. The prefix お adds politeness. Suitable for complimenting a superior or someone you don't know well.
日本語がお上手ですね。
Your Japanese is very good.
ピアノがお上手ですね。
You play the piano very well.
Acknowledging someone's effort, perseverance, or dedication.
Casual 'you did your best' or 'good job'. Acknowledges effort rather than result. Very common among friends and family.
テスト、頑張ったね。
You worked hard for the test.
今日も一日頑張ったね。
You worked hard all day today.
How to react when someone compliments you in Japanese. Modesty is key.
In Japanese culture, directly accepting a compliment can seem arrogant. It's common to deny it or attribute it to luck/help.
いえいえ、そんなことないです。
No, no, that's not true.
まだまだです。
I still have a long way to go.
The English noun 'compliment' is often translated as 褒め言葉 (ほめことば) or 賛辞 (さんじ), but these are not commonly used in everyday conversation. Instead, Japanese speakers give compliments using adjectives and set phrases. Using the noun form can sound stiff or unnatural.
彼は私に褒め言葉を言った。
He gave me a compliment. (unnatural)
彼は「すごいね」と言った。
He said, 'That's amazing.' (natural)
Adding ね (seeking agreement) or よ (emphasizing) to compliments makes them sound more natural and conversational. ね softens the statement, while よ adds enthusiasm.
料理が上手ですね。
You're good at cooking.
ピアノが上手だね。
You're good at piano.
That outfit is lovely.
素敵な笑顔ですね。
You have a lovely smile.
今日の髪型、いいね。
Your hair looks nice today.
Means 'cute' or 'adorable'. Used for people, clothes, accessories, and even behavior. Very common compliment.
そのバッグ、かわいい！
That bag is cute!
今日もかわいいね。
You look cute today too.
Means 'cool' or 'handsome'. Used for people, style, actions, or things that are stylish or impressive.
そのジャケット、かっこいいね。
That jacket is cool.
彼は本当にかっこいい。
He's really handsome.
Means 'pretty', 'beautiful', or 'clean'. Used for appearance, scenery, or neatness. More neutral than かわいい.
きれいなドレスですね。
That's a beautiful dress.
肌がきれいですね。
Your skin is beautiful.
Means 'wonderful', 'splendid', or 'magnificent'. A strong, formal compliment for achievements or qualities.
素晴らしいプレゼンテーションでした。
That was a wonderful presentation.
あなたの努力は素晴らしいです。
Your effort is splendid.
Means 'I'm impressed' or 'I admire'. Used to express deep admiration, often for someone's character or dedication.
あなたの忍耐力に感心しました。
I'm impressed by your patience.
A common phrase meaning 'thank you for your hard work' or 'you must be tired'. Used to acknowledge effort, especially after work or a task.
お疲れ様。今日は大変だったね。
Good job today. It was tough, wasn't it?
お疲れ様でした。
Thank you for your hard work.
Means 'well done' or 'good job'. Can be used by a superior to a subordinate, or among close friends. Slightly masculine.
よくやった！
Well done!
Thank the person but then modestly deflect. A balanced approach.
ありがとうございます。でも、まだ勉強中です。
Thank you. But I'm still learning.
Means 'thanks to you' or 'thanks to your support'. Used to credit others for your success.
おかげさまで、上手になりました。
Thanks to you, I've improved.
上手 (じょうず) means 'skillful' and is used to compliment others. 得意 (とくい) means 'one's strong point' and is used to talk about your own skills. Using 上手 about yourself sounds boastful.
私は料理が得意です。
I'm good at cooking. (humble)
あなたは料理が上手ですね。
You're good at cooking. (compliment)
上手 (じょうず) means 'skillful' and is used to compliment others. 得意 (とくい) means 'one's strong point' and is used to talk about your own skills. Using 上手 about yourself sounds boastful.
私は料理が得意です。
I'm good at cooking. (humble)
あなたは料理が上手ですね。
You're good at cooking. (compliment)