Translation guide
The English word "nice" covers a wide range of meanings, from describing people and things as pleasant to expressing precision or irony. This guide breaks down the most useful Japanese equivalents by intended meaning.
To describe something as generally pleasant, good, or enjoyable, such as a person, place, experience, or thing.
The most common and versatile word for 'good' or 'nice'. Can describe people, things, experiences, weather, etc. Informal; the polite form is 良い (よい).
It's nice weather today, isn't it?
That's a nice idea.
Means 'lovely', 'wonderful', or 'nice' in a more stylish or charming sense. Often used for appearance, atmosphere, or experiences.
Means 'comfortable' or 'pleasant', often used for physical comfort like a nice room, temperature, or seat.
To describe a person or their actions as kind, friendly, or thoughtful.
The standard word for 'kind', 'gentle', or 'nice' when referring to a person's character or considerate actions.
The fixed phrase used when meeting someone for the first time.
The standard greeting when meeting someone for the first time. Often followed by どうぞよろしく or よろしくお願いします.
To describe something as precise, subtle, or requiring careful attention, as in 'a nice distinction'.
Means 'subtle', 'delicate', or 'fine'. Can be used for nice distinctions, but also carries a nuance of 'hard to judge' or 'borderline'.
The English pattern 'nice and [adjective]' used for emphasis, e.g., 'nice and warm'.
Japanese does not have a direct equivalent of the 'nice and...' pattern. Instead, use an intensifier like とても (very) or すごく (very) before the adjective.
This soup is nice and hot.
To express irony or sarcasm, as in 'Well, that's nice!' when something is actually not nice.
A sarcastic way to say 'thanks for that' or 'that's just great'. Tone of voice conveys the irony.
Oh, that's nice. (sarcastic)
English 'nice' is extremely broad. Directly translating it as ナイス (naisu) is only appropriate in very casual, often slangy contexts (e.g., ナイスショット！ for 'Nice shot!'). In most cases, choose a more specific Japanese word based on the intended meaning.
いい is the most general 'good/nice'. 素敵 implies stylishness or charm, often for appearance. 快適 is specifically about physical comfort. Use いい when unsure.
That's a nice dress.
I found a nice restaurant.
このソファは快適だ。
This sofa is nice and comfortable.
He is a very nice person.
He said some nice words to me.
Means 'kind' or 'helpful', emphasizing considerate actions rather than just personality. Often used for acts of kindness.
He was nice enough to show me the way.
Nice to meet you, I'm Tanaka.
Often used after 初めまして to express 'pleased to meet you' or 'I look forward to working with you'. Can be used alone in casual contexts.
Nice to meet you, pleased to make your acquaintance.
The difference is nice (subtle).
Means 'fine', 'detailed', or 'minute'. Used for nice details or distinctions.
He notices nice details.
For 'nice and [adjective]' implying 'just right', use ちょうどいい (just right).
This room is nice and warm (just the right warmth).
Literally 'that's good', but can be used sarcastically with the right intonation. Often written with 皮肉 (irony) in parentheses to indicate sarcasm in text.
Late again? Nice.
いい天気 (nice weather) / 素敵な景色 (lovely view) / 快適な温度 (comfortable temperature)