Translation guide
The English word 'miraculous' describes something extraordinary, seemingly impossible, or divinely caused. In Japanese, there is no single perfect equivalent. The best choice depends on whether you mean 'like a miracle', 'wonderful and surprising', or 'supernatural'. Common expressions include 奇跡的 (kisekiteki) for 'miraculous' in the sense of 'by a miracle', and 驚くべき (odorokubeki) for 'astonishing'.
Describing an event or outcome that seems impossible, as if by divine intervention or incredible luck.
The most direct equivalent for 'miraculous', meaning 'by a miracle' or 'miraculous'. Used for events that are extremely unlikely and wonderful.
彼の生還は奇跡的だった。
His survival was miraculous.
奇跡的な回復を見せた。
She made a miraculous recovery.
Literally 'like a miracle'. A more descriptive phrase, often used when the miraculous nature is emphasized.
奇跡のような偶然だった。
It was a miraculous coincidence.
Means 'mystical' or 'mysterious'. Can overlap with 'miraculous' when referring to something awe-inspiring and beyond understanding, but lacks the 'lucky outcome' nuance.
神秘的な力が働いた。
A miraculous power was at work.
Expressing that something is so good it seems almost unbelievable.
Means 'astonishing' or 'amazing'. Used for remarkable achievements or qualities, often with a positive connotation.
彼女は驚くべき才能を持っている。
She has miraculous talent.
驚くべき結果が出た。
We got miraculous results.
A very common word for 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. It can convey a sense of miraculous when the context implies something extraordinary.
Means 'unbelievable'. Often used in casual speech to express that something is so good it's hard to believe.
信じられないくらい美味しい！
This is miraculously delicious!
Referring to something caused by a god or supernatural force.
The noun 'miracle' used attributively. '奇跡の' directly means 'of a miracle' or 'miraculous' in a religious or supernatural sense.
それは奇跡の業だった。
It was a miraculous deed.
Literally 'god's work'. Used for something so skillful or perfect it seems divine, often in non-religious contexts like sports or craftsmanship.
彼のプレーは神業だ。
His play is miraculous.
While 奇跡的 is the closest equivalent, it specifically implies an event that is statistically almost impossible and wonderfully positive. Using it for everyday 'amazing' things can sound overly dramatic. In casual praise, 素晴らしい or 信じられない are often more natural.
奇跡的 emphasizes the improbability and fortune of an event (like a miracle). 驚くべき emphasizes the emotional impact of astonishment. For a 'miraculous recovery', 奇跡的回復 is standard; for 'miraculous talent', 驚くべき才能 is better.
その薬は奇跡的な効果があった。
The medicine had a miraculous effect.
素晴らしい景色だった。
The view was miraculous.
Means 'supernatural'. More academic or formal, used when distinguishing from natural phenomena.
超自然的な現象が起きた。
A miraculous phenomenon occurred.