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.
彼は本当にいい人だね。
He's a really good person, isn't he?
あの先生はいい人です。
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.
彼女はとても良い人だと思います。
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.
彼は善人として知られている。
He is known as a virtuous person.
Emphasizing someone's kindness, warmth, or gentle nature.
Focuses on kindness and gentleness. Often used for someone who is caring and considerate.
彼はとても優しい人で、いつも周りを助けている。
He is a very kind person and always helps those around him.
Literally 'a warm-hearted person'. Emphasizes emotional warmth and compassion.
心の温かい人に出会えて嬉しい。
I'm happy to have met such a warm-hearted person.
Describing someone with strong moral character, honesty, or integrity.
An honest person. Often used for someone who doesn't lie or cheat.
彼は正直者だから信頼できる。
He's an honest person, so you can trust him.
A sincere and faithful person. Implies deep integrity and reliability.
彼女は誠実な人で、約束を必ず守る。
She is a sincere person and always keeps her promises.
Someone who is scrupulously honest and dutiful, often to a fault. Can imply a rigid sense of obligation.
彼は律儀な人で、借りたお金は必ず翌日返す。
He is a scrupulously honest person and always returns borrowed money the next day.
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.
彼はいい人です。
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.
彼はいい人だけど、あまり優しくない。
He's a good person, but not very kind.