Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing that someone or something has a good reputation is often done through specific nouns, adjectives, and set phrases. The most common and versatile way is using 評判がいい (hyouban ga ii), literally 'reputation is good'. Other options include nouns like 名声 (meisei) for fame and renown, and adjectives like 名高い (nadakai) for being famous or celebrated. The choice depends on the nuance: general good standing, high esteem, or widespread fame.
To say that a person, place, or thing is well-regarded by others in general.
The most common and natural way to say 'has a good reputation'. 評判 (hyouban) means 'reputation' or 'public estimation'. Can be used for people, products, restaurants, etc.
That restaurant has a good reputation.
He has a good reputation as a teacher.
Literally 'reputation is high'. Slightly more formal or emphatic than 評判がいい. Often used in written contexts.
A noun meaning 'favorable reception' or 'good reputation'. Often used in business or product reviews. Can be used with を得る (wo eru) to mean 'gain a good reputation'.
To express that someone or something is widely known and admired, often for achievements or quality.
To convey that someone is held in high regard, often implying respect and admiration.
To refer to a person's good name or honor, often in the context of integrity or social standing.
A noun meaning 'honor' or 'good name'. Refers to a reputation for integrity and moral standing. Can be used in phrases like (meiyo wo mamoru, 'protect one's honor').
評判 (hyouban) is the general word for reputation, good or bad. 名声 (meisei) specifically means fame and renown, always positive. 名誉 (meiyo) is honor or good name, often tied to moral integrity. Use 評判 for everyday situations, 名声 for widespread acclaim, and 名誉 for matters of personal honor.
That store has a bad reputation.
This school has a good reputation.
This product has a high reputation among consumers.
新製品は好評を得た。
The new product gained a good reputation.
That movie is well-received.
A noun meaning 'fame' or 'renown'. Implies a high level of public recognition and respect. Often used with がある (ga aru) or を得る (wo eru).
He gained worldwide fame.
That writer has a good reputation (is renowned).
An adjective meaning 'famous' or 'celebrated'. Often used for people or places with a long-standing good reputation. Slightly literary.
This is a famous tourist spot.
A noun or na-adjective meaning 'famous' or 'distinguished'. More formal and less common in everyday speech. Often used for scholars or artists.
A renowned scholar gave a lecture.
He is respected in the community.
A noun meaning 'trust and esteem' or 'confidence and popularity'. Often used in political or leadership contexts. Commonly appears as 信望がある (shinbou ga aru).
He enjoys the deep trust and esteem of his employees.
He values his good reputation (honor).
A noun meaning 'face' or 'honor' in the sense of social appearance and dignity. Often used in contexts of saving face or maintaining a good public image.
He tried to maintain his good reputation (save face).
He worked hard to gain fame.
His honor was damaged.
Direct translations like 良い評判 (yoi hyouban) are grammatically possible but less natural than the set phrase 評判がいい. Stick to the idiomatic expressions for natural Japanese.
She is a doctor with a good reputation.