Translation guide
How to express that someone or something makes a good impression in Japanese. The most common and natural ways are 好印象 (こういんしょう) and 良い印象 (よいいんしょう).
To say that someone or something gives a good impression, or that you have a good impression of them.
The most standard and natural way to say 'to make a good impression'. Literally 'to give a good impression'.
彼は面接で好印象を与えた。
He made a good impression at the interview.
A slightly more literal version using 良い (good) instead of 好 (good). Equally natural but 好印象 is more common in set phrases.
彼女の笑顔は良い印象を与える。
Her smile makes a good impression.
Used to describe that the impression itself is good. Often used when stating your impression of something.
このレストランは印象が良い。
This restaurant gives a good impression.
To receive a good impression, i.e., to be impressed favorably. Focuses on the receiver's perspective.
彼のプレゼンから好印象を受けた。
I got a good impression from his presentation.
To emphasize that someone or something leaves a lasting good impression.
Literally 'to leave a good impression'. Used when the impression remains after an encounter.
彼は初対面で好印象を残した。
He left a good impression when we first met.
To express that you personally have a good impression of someone or something.
To have a good impression. Often used with ～に対して (towards).
私は彼に対して良い印象を持っている。
I have a good impression of him.
Same meaning but using 好印象. Slightly more formal or written.
面接官は応募者に好印象を持ったようだ。
The interviewer seemed to have a good impression of the applicant.
Specifically about the first impression being good.
The first impression is good. 第一印象 (first impression) is a common term.
彼の第一印象はとても良かった。
His first impression was very good.
The first impression is a good one. Uses 好印象 as a noun.
彼女の第一印象は好印象だった。
Her first impression was a good one.
好印象 (こういんしょう) is a compound noun meaning 'good impression' and is very common in set phrases like 好印象を与える. 良い印象 (よい/いい いんしょう) is more analytical and can be used in the same contexts, but 好印象 is slightly more idiomatic and frequent in business or formal settings. Both are natural.
To say something 'leaves an impression' (not necessarily good), use 印象に残る (いんしょうにのこる). To specify a good impression, use 好印象を残す or 良い印象を残す.