Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing a 'positive reaction' depends on the context: whether it's a favorable response to an idea, a good reception from an audience, a positive review, or a general thumbs-up. This guide covers natural ways to convey these nuances.
Expressing that someone reacted positively to a suggestion, plan, or request.
A direct and natural phrase meaning 'favorable reaction'. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼の提案に好意的な反応があった。
There was a positive reaction to his proposal.
Literally 'forward-looking reaction', implying a constructive or positive attitude. Common in business settings.
新しい計画に対して前向きな反応が多かった。
There were many positive reactions to the new plan.
Means 'affirmative reaction'. Slightly more formal, often used in surveys or evaluations.
アンケートでは肯定的な反応が大半だった。
The majority of responses in the survey were positive.
Describing how a performance, product, or event was well received.
A noun meaning 'favorable reception' or 'popularity'. Often used in phrases like 好評を得る (to gain favorable reviews).
新作映画は観客から好評だった。
The new movie received a positive reaction from the audience.
A casual expression meaning 'to be well-received' or 'popular'. Literally 'the reception is good'.
彼の冗談はいつも受けがいい。
His jokes always get a positive reaction.
Slang verb meaning 'to be funny' or 'to get a laugh'. Used when something is hilariously received, especially among younger people.
Referring to written or verbal positive evaluations.
Means 'positive evaluation'. Suitable for formal contexts like performance reviews or critiques.
彼の仕事ぶりには肯定的な評価が多い。
His work receives many positive reactions (evaluations).
Literally 'favorable opinion'. Used when someone expresses a positive view.
そのアイデアには好意的な意見が集まった。
Positive reactions (opinions) gathered for that idea.
Expressing a simple positive reaction in everyday conversation.
In casual contexts, a positive reaction is often expressed with short phrases like いいね (that's good), すごい (amazing), or やった (yay). These are not direct translations but convey the feeling.
A: 明日映画に行かない？ B: いいね！
A: Want to go to a movie tomorrow? B: Sounds good! (positive reaction)
A loanword phrase 'positive na hannou'. Common in casual or modern contexts, especially among younger speakers.
インスタの投稿にポジティブな反応がたくさん来た。
I got a lot of positive reactions on my Instagram post.
The direct translation 'ポジティブ反応' is not natural Japanese. Use the phrases provided depending on context.
好評 is specifically about public or audience reception (e.g., a product, movie). 好意的な反応 is broader and can refer to any favorable response, including personal reactions.
クライアントから好意的な反応をいただきました。
We received a positive reaction from the client.
Polite form suitable for business.
新製品は好評だった。
The new product got a positive reaction.
That video gets such a positive reaction! (lit. That video is so funny!)