Translation guide
The English word "splendid" expresses strong approval, admiration, or excellence. In Japanese, the best equivalent depends on what is being praised: appearance, performance, effort, or general quality. This guide covers common natural expressions for each situation.
Expressing that something is excellent, wonderful, or very good in a general sense.
The most common and versatile word for 'splendid', 'wonderful', or 'excellent'. Can be used for almost anything: performance, weather, ideas, etc.
素晴らしい演奏でした。
That was a splendid performance.
今日は素晴らしい天気ですね。
It's splendid weather today, isn't it?
Often used for something skillfully done or achieved, like a performance, result, or display. Carries a nuance of 'admirable' or 'brilliant'.
見事な桜ですね。
The cherry blossoms are splendid, aren't they?
彼のプレゼンは見事だった。
His presentation was splendid.
Implies something is splendid in a dignified, impressive, or respectable way. Often used for buildings, achievements, or character.
立派な建物ですね。
That's a splendid building.
彼は立派な仕事をした。
He did a splendid job.
Very common casual word meaning 'amazing' or 'great'. Can be used for 'splendid' in informal contexts, but is less formal than 素晴らしい.
すごい！よくやったね。
Splendid! Well done.
Describing something visually impressive, gorgeous, or magnificent, like scenery, art, or attire.
Means 'splendid' in a gorgeous, brilliant, or showy way. Often used for decorations, costumes, or performances.
華麗な衣装が印象的だった。
The splendid costumes were impressive.
Refers to a splendid or magnificent sight, often used for grand views or spectacles.
Means 'luxurious' or 'lavish', often used for splendid interiors, meals, or events.
Praising someone's effort, achievement, or job well done.
A polite and common way to say 'Well done!' or 'Splendid!' when someone has accomplished something skillfully.
お見事です！
Splendid! / Well done!
Casual phrase meaning 'Well done' or 'Good job'. Suitable for friends or subordinates.
よくやった！素晴らしいよ。
Well done! That's splendid.
A respectful way to say 'splendid' or 'admirable', often used to praise someone's conduct or achievement.
ご立派なご功績ですね。
That's a splendid achievement.
Reacting positively to a suggestion or idea.
A natural way to say 'That's a splendid idea' in conversation.
それはいい考えですね。
That's a splendid idea.
Directly translates 'splendid idea', using 素晴らしい. Slightly more emphatic.
素晴らしいアイデアですね！
What a splendid idea!
The English word 'splendid' can sound old-fashioned or overly formal in some contexts. In Japanese, using 素晴らしい is safe and natural, but overusing 華麗 or 壮観 in everyday speech may sound exaggerated. Match the word to the context.
素晴らしい is the most general and can be used for almost anything. 見事 emphasizes skill or a striking result. 立派 implies dignity, respectability, or impressive scale. Choose based on what aspect of 'splendid' you want to highlight.
それは素晴らしい考えですね！
That's a splendid idea!
景色は本当に素晴らしかった。
The view was absolutely splendid.
彼女は立派な仕事をした。
She did a splendid job.
山頂からの景色は壮観だった。
The view from the mountaintop was splendid.
It was a splendid party.