Translation guide
Describing someone as a morally good, kind, or decent human being. Japanese has several common words for this, but the most natural choice depends on the nuance: general goodness, kindness, honesty, or being a person of character.
To say someone is a good person in a broad, everyday sense.
The most common and natural way to say 'good person' in casual and neutral contexts. It can mean kind, nice, or decent.
He's a really good person, isn't he?
That teacher is a good person.
Slightly more formal or written version of いい人. Used in similar contexts but can sound a bit stiffer in speech.
I think she is a very good person.
Literary or philosophical term for a virtuous or good person, often contrasted with 悪人 (villain). Not used in everyday conversation.
He is known as a virtuous person.
Emphasizing someone's kindness, warmth, or gentle nature.
Describing someone with strong moral character, honesty, or integrity.
An honest person. Often used for someone who doesn't lie or cheat.
He's an honest person, so you can trust him.
A sincere and faithful person. Implies deep integrity and reliability.
Someone who is scrupulously honest and dutiful, often to a fault. Can imply a rigid sense of obligation.
Praising someone's overall character, often in more formal or admiring contexts.
While いい人 is very common, directly translating 'good person' as 良い人物 or 善い人 can sound unnatural or overly formal in everyday speech. Stick to いい人 for most situations.
He is a good person.
いい人 is a general 'good person', while 優しい人 specifically means 'kind/gentle person'. Use 優しい人 when you want to highlight someone's kindness rather than just general goodness.
He's a good person, but not very kind.
I'm happy to have met such a warm-hearted person.
She is a sincere person and always keeps her promises.
He is a scrupulously honest person and always returns borrowed money the next day.
彼は真の人格者だ。
He is a person of true character.