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.
His survival was miraculous.
She made a miraculous recovery.
Literally 'like a miracle'. A more descriptive phrase, often used when the miraculous nature is emphasized.
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.
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.
She has miraculous talent.
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.
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.
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.
Means 'supernatural'. More academic or formal, used when distinguishing from natural phenomena.
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.
The medicine had a miraculous effect.
The view was miraculous.
彼のプレーは神業だ。
His play is miraculous.
A miraculous phenomenon occurred.