Translation guide
The English phrase 'good thing' can refer to a beneficial event, a positive aspect, or a fortunate circumstance. In Japanese, the expression varies depending on whether you're talking about something that happened, a general positive, or a relief. This guide covers natural ways to express these nuances.
It's a good thing I brought an umbrella.
Expressing relief.
Expressing that something good happened or turned out well.
The most direct and common way to say 'a good thing' as a noun. Used for positive events or outcomes.
A good thing happened today.
That's a good thing.
Slightly more formal or written version of いいこと. Often used in advice or general statements.
Used as an exclamation meaning 'That's good!' or 'What a relief!' when something turns out well. Not a noun, but a common reaction.
I passed the exam. That's a good thing!
Pointing out a beneficial feature or upside of a situation.
Literally 'good point/place', used to highlight a positive aspect of something.
Expressing relief that something happened or didn't happen.
Attach to verb te-form to mean 'I'm glad that...' or 'It's a good thing that...'. Very common.
Referring to an act of kindness or something morally positive.
Means 'good deed' or 'good conduct'. Used in moral or ethical contexts.
Do not translate 'good thing' word-for-word as '良い物' (よいもの) unless you mean a tangible good item. For abstract positive events, use いいこと or the patterns above.
いいこと is more conversational; 良いこと is slightly more formal/written. Both are interchangeable in most contexts, but いいこと is preferred in casual speech.
The good thing about this phone is its battery life.
If you do good things, good things will come back to you.
The good thing about this job is that you have a lot of free time.
More formal, meaning 'good point' or 'merit'. Suitable for written or analytical contexts.
The good thing about this plan is its low cost.
Loanword from English 'merit', commonly used for advantages or pros.
What's the good thing about living in the city?
It's a good thing I brought an umbrella.
It's a good thing we left early.
Negative form: 'It's a good thing that ... didn't happen.'
It's a good thing it didn't rain.
Idiom meaning 'a blessing in disguise' or 'a good thing in the midst of misfortune'. Used for silver linings.
I had an accident, but it was a good thing my injuries were minor.
He did many good things.
Abstract noun for 'good' in a philosophical or moral sense. Often used in compounds like 善行 (good deed).
Doing good things is important.
教えてくれてよかった。
It's a good thing you told me.