Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that something proceeds smoothly, successfully, or harmoniously in Japanese. It includes common verbs, adverbs, and set phrases for different contexts.
To say that a plan, event, or process is going well or smoothly.
The most common and versatile way to say 'go well'. Literally 'go skillfully', it covers success, smooth progress, and things turning out fine.
Is your work going well?
The plan went well.
Means 'to proceed smoothly/favorably'. Often used in business or formal contexts to describe progress.
The project is going well.
A loanword from English 'smooth', used to describe things going without hitches. Common in casual and business speech.
The move went smoothly.
To express that something ended with a good result or was successful.
Directly means 'to succeed'. Use when the outcome is clearly positive.
The event went well (was a success).
Also covers successful outcomes. Often more natural than 成功する in daily conversation.
The exam went well.
Literally 'become a good result'. Used when focusing on the outcome.
The discussion went well (had a good outcome).
To say that people are on good terms or interact harmoniously.
Describes a good relationship. Use with と to indicate the other person.
I get along well with him.
Means 'to get along well' or 'to manage a relationship smoothly'. Implies ongoing effort.
I wonder if I'll get along well with my new classmates.
Means 'to hit it off' or 'to be compatible'. Focuses on shared interests or chemistry.
To say that colors, styles, or items look good together.
General verb for matching or suiting. Use with に to indicate what it goes with.
This shirt goes well with those pants.
Specifically means 'to suit (a person)' or 'to look good on'. Used for clothes, hairstyles, etc.
Loanword from 'match'. Casual and often used for colors or designs.
This color goes well with the wall.
To say that a food or drink complements another.
うまくいく is the everyday phrase for 'go well' in most situations. 順調に進む is more formal and often used in business reports or news to describe steady progress.
Is your diet going well? (casual)
The construction is proceeding smoothly. (formal)
Avoid directly translating 'go well' as よく行く (yoku iku), which means 'go often'. The correct phrase is うまくいく.
(Incorrect for 'The party went well')
We get along well (we click).
その帽子、よく似合ってるよ。
That hat really suits you (goes well on you).
The party went well.