Translation guide
Describing a male person who is morally good, kind, or likeable. In Japanese, this is often expressed through character traits rather than a single fixed phrase.
Describing a man of good character, honest, upright.
The most common and natural way to say someone is a good person. Can be used for both men and women, but context makes it clear.
Describing a man who is pleasant, easy to get along with, or a 'nice guy'.
Means a person who gives a good impression, pleasant. Often used for someone you've just met or don't know deeply.
彼は感じのいい人だった。
He seemed like a good guy.
Referring to the 'good guy' in a narrative, as opposed to the villain.
The direct translation '良い男' (いいおとこ) can mean 'handsome man' or 'good man' but is ambiguous and less natural for 'good guy'. Use いい人 or context-specific phrases instead.
彼は本当にいい人だね。
He's a really good guy, isn't he?
Slightly more formal or written version of いい人. Same meaning.
彼はとても良い人です。
He is a very good person.
Literally 'good person', often used in moral or philosophical contexts. Can sound a bit stiff in casual conversation.
彼は真の善人だ。
He is a truly good man.
Good-natured, kind-hearted person. Emphasizes a warm personality.
気のいい人たちに囲まれて幸せだ。
I'm happy to be surrounded by good guys.
A fine young man, often implying both good character and pleasant demeanor. Used for younger men.
彼は誰からも好かれる好青年だ。
He's a good guy that everyone likes.
Literally 'good ball', used in the context of stories, movies, etc. to mean the good character. Often contrasted with 悪玉 (villain).
この映画では彼が善玉だ。
He's the good guy in this movie.
Ally of justice, hero. Common in anime, tokusatsu, and children's stories.
彼はいつも正義の味方だ。
He's always the good guy.
Loanword 'hero'. Very common in modern contexts.
彼はこの物語のヒーローだ。
He's the good guy in this story.