Translation guide
The English phrase "good news" is used to share positive information or to respond to someone's good fortune. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on the context: whether you are announcing something, reacting to someone else's news, or describing the news itself.
You want to tell someone that you have good news.
A straightforward and natural way to say 'I have good news.' Suitable for most situations.
I have good news!
A slightly more formal and polite way to announce good news. Often used in written communication or formal settings.
I have some happy news for everyone.
A formal, somewhat literary expression meaning 'good news' or 'glad tidings.' Used in announcements or written contexts.
Good news! The new product will be released next month.
You want to respond positively when someone shares good news with you.
A common and natural reaction meaning 'That's great!' or 'I'm glad to hear that.' Shows empathy and shared happiness.
A: I passed the exam. B: That's great!
A direct translation of 'That's good news.' Natural and polite, but slightly less common than よかったですね in casual conversation.
You want to describe a piece of news as being good.
You want to ask someone if they have any good news.
A polite and natural way to ask 'Do you have any good news?'
Do you have any good news lately?
When reacting to good news, directly saying 「いいニュースですね」 is grammatically correct but can sound a bit stiff. More natural reactions like 「よかったですね」 or 「すごいですね」 are preferred in casual conversation.
If the good news is about a personal achievement or happy event (like passing an exam, getting married, having a baby), it's common to say おめでとう(ございます) instead of or in addition to commenting on the news itself.
I have good news!
That's good news!
No news is good news.
A proverb meaning 'no news is good news.'
That's good news. Congratulations.
Means 'Congratulations.' Often used when the good news involves an achievement or happy event. Can be combined with other reactions.
Congratulations on your marriage!
その朗報はすぐに広まった。
The good news spread quickly.