Translation guide
The English word "epic" has two main uses: describing something grand and heroic (like an epic poem), and as informal slang meaning "awesome" or "amazing." This guide covers both.
Describing something as having the scale, heroism, or significance of an epic poem or story.
Means 'grand' or 'magnificent' in scale. Commonly used for landscapes, stories, or projects.
an epic narrative poem
an epic landscape
Literally 'epic poem-like.' Used for works that resemble epics in scope or style.
an epic film
Means 'heroic.' Focuses on the heroic deeds aspect of 'epic.'
an epic battle
Refers to a 'masterpiece' or 'epic work,' often used for long novels or films.
a historical epic
Informal exclamation meaning 'extremely good' or 'impressive.'
Means 'the best' or 'awesome.' Very common and natural in casual speech.
That movie was epic!
General word for 'amazing' or 'incredible.' Works in most casual contexts.
Slang for 'insane' or 'crazy' (in a good way). Very informal, used by younger speakers.
Kansai-origin slang meaning 'super good.' Widely understood.
That idea is epic!
The word 叙事詩 (jojishi) means 'epic poem' and cannot be used to mean 'awesome.' Using it in casual conversation will cause confusion.
壮大 (sōdai) is for describing something grand in scale, like a movie or landscape. 最高 (saikō) is for expressing that something is awesome or the best. They are not interchangeable.
That was an epic fail.
In slang, 'epic fail' is often translated as 大失敗 (daishippai) or 大惨事 (daisanji), not with 'epic' directly.
The Lord of the Rings is an epic fantasy.
Yesterday's party was epic, wasn't it?
すごい！どうやってやったの？
Epic! How did you do that?
この曲、ヤバくない？
Isn't this song epic?