Translation guide
The English word "marvelous" expresses strong admiration, wonder, or delight. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent; the best choice depends on what is being praised and the situation. Common options range from casual exclamations to more formal expressions of excellence.
That's marvelous!
What a marvelous idea!
The speaker wants to say that something is extremely good, impressive, or enjoyable, often with a sense of excitement.
The most standard and versatile word for 'wonderful', 'splendid', or 'marvelous'. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts, for objects, experiences, performances, etc.
That movie was truly marvelous.
Literally 'the best' or 'supreme'. Very common in casual speech to express that something is fantastic, awesome, or marvelous. Often used for experiences, food, events.
A very common casual word meaning 'amazing', 'incredible', or 'great'. It can convey marvel in a more informal, excited way. Often used as an exclamation.
Means 'splendid', 'magnificent', or 'brilliant'. Often used for skillful achievements, beautiful results, or impressive displays. Slightly more formal than すごい.
The speaker wants to praise a person's character, abilities, or qualities.
The speaker wants to express delighted surprise or admiration in a short, spontaneous way.
A simple, all-purpose exclamation of amazement or admiration. Equivalent to 'Wow!' or 'That's marvelous!'
素晴らしい is the safest, most standard word for 'marvelous' and can be used in almost any situation. 最高 is more casual and emphatic, like 'the best' or 'awesome'. すごい is very casual and can mean 'amazing' or 'terrible' depending on context, but when used positively it's like 'incredible' or 'marvelous'.
The weather was marvelous.
What a marvelous view!
このピザ、最高！
This pizza is marvelous!
Yesterday's concert was marvelous.
すごい！どうやってやったの？
Marvelous! How did you do that?
His performance was marvelous.
見事な演奏でした。
That was a marvelous performance.
The garden flowers are in marvelous bloom.
Again the most versatile choice. Can describe a person's personality, talent, or actions.
She is a marvelous person.
Means 'splendid', 'admirable', 'fine'. Often implies a sense of dignity, respectability, or moral excellence. Suitable for praising someone's character or achievements.
He is a marvelous leader.
Means 'lovely', 'wonderful', 'charming'. Often used for people (especially in a slightly romantic or aesthetic sense), but also for things. Conveys a warm, positive feeling.
You have a marvelous smile.
Marvelous! You passed!
A more articulate exclamation of wonder or praise. Can be used in both casual and formal settings.
Marvelous! Well done.
Literally 'I did it!' or 'Yay!'. Expresses joy and triumph. In context, it can convey 'Marvelous!' when something great happens.
Marvelous! I won a trip!
This view is marvelous. (polite)
This view is marvelous! (casual)
This view is amazing/marvelous! (casual)
The word 驚くべき (odorokubeki) means 'astonishing' or 'surprising', but it can have negative connotations (e.g., 'shocking'). It is not a natural translation for positive 'marvelous' in most contexts.
She did a marvelous job.
You look marvelous!