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.
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.
今日はいいことがあった。
A good thing happened today.
それはいいことだね。
That's a good thing.
Slightly more formal or written version of いいこと. Often used in advice or general statements.
良いことをすれば、良いことが返ってくる。
If you do good things, good things will come back to you.
Used as an exclamation meaning 'That's good!' or 'What a relief!' when something turns out well. Not a noun, but a common reaction.
試験に合格したよ。よかった！
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.
この仕事のいいところは、自由な時間が多いことだ。
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.
この計画の良い点は、コストが低いことです。
The good thing about this plan is its low cost.
Loanword from English 'merit', commonly used for advantages or pros.
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.
傘を持ってきてよかった。
It's a good thing I brought an umbrella.
早く出てよかった。
It's a good thing we left early.
Negative form: 'It's a good thing that ... didn't happen.'
雨が降らなくてよかった。
It's a good thing it didn't rain.
Referring to an act of kindness or something morally positive.
Means 'good deed' or 'good conduct'. Used in moral or ethical contexts.
彼は多くの良い行いをした。
He did many good things.
Abstract noun for 'good' in a philosophical or moral sense. Often used in compounds like 善行 (good deed).
善を行うことは大切だ。
Doing good things is important.
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.
このスマホのいいところはバッテリーの持ちがいいことだ。
The good thing about this phone is its battery life.
教えてくれてよかった。
It's a good thing you told me.
都会に住むメリットは何ですか？
What's the good thing about living in the city?
Idiom meaning 'a blessing in disguise' or 'a good thing in the midst of misfortune'. Used for silver linings.
事故にあったけど、怪我が軽くて不幸中の幸いだった。
I had an accident, but it was a good thing my injuries were minor.