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.
There was a positive reaction to his proposal.
Literally 'forward-looking reaction', implying a constructive or positive attitude. Common in business settings.
Means 'affirmative reaction'. Slightly more formal, often used in surveys or evaluations.
Describing how a performance, product, or event was well received.
Referring to written or verbal positive evaluations.
Means 'positive evaluation'. Suitable for formal contexts like performance reviews or critiques.
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.
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.
We received a positive reaction from the client.
Polite form suitable for business.
There were many positive reactions to the new plan.
The majority of responses in the survey were positive.
A noun meaning 'favorable reception' or 'popularity'. Often used in phrases like 好評を得る (to gain favorable reviews).
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'.
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.
That video gets such a positive reaction! (lit. That video is so funny!)
His work receives many positive reactions (evaluations).
Literally 'favorable opinion'. Used when someone expresses a positive view.
Positive reactions (opinions) gathered for that idea.
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.
I got a lot of positive reactions on my Instagram post.
新製品は好評だった。
The new product got a positive reaction.