Translation guide
The English word 'terrific' is an intensifying adjective meaning 'very good' or 'great'. It is not used in its older sense of 'causing terror' in modern English. This guide focuses on how to express enthusiastic approval in Japanese.
Expressing that something is extremely good, impressive, or enjoyable.
The most common and versatile word for 'terrific' in casual and semi-formal contexts. Can describe people, things, experiences, etc.
Using 'terrific' to emphasize magnitude, force, or intensity (e.g., a terrific noise, a terrific speed).
In modern English, 'terrific' almost always means 'very good'. The older meaning of 'causing terror' is obsolete. Do not translate it as 恐ろしい (おそろしい) or 怖い (こわい) unless the context clearly indicates fear, which is rare.
恐ろしい映画
a terrifying movie (not 'a terrific movie')
すごい is the most flexible and can be used in almost any situation. 素晴らしい is more formal and often used in writing or polite speech. 最高 is very casual and expresses a personal feeling of 'the best'.
素晴らしい仕事をしましたね。
You did a terrific job.
それはすごいアイデアだね！
That's a terrific idea!
ここからの景色は最高だ。
The view from here is terrific.
That movie was terrific, wasn't it?
彼はすごい選手だ。
He's a terrific player.
A more formal and emphatic word for 'wonderful' or 'terrific'. Suitable for both spoken and written Japanese.
素晴らしいアイデアですね。
That's a terrific idea.
景色が素晴らしかった。
The scenery was terrific.
Literally 'the best', used colloquially to mean 'terrific' or 'awesome'. Very common in casual speech.
このピザ、最高！
This pizza is terrific!
昨日のパーティーは最高だった。
Yesterday's party was terrific.
Same as 素晴らしい but written in hiragana, often used in casual writing or for emphasis.
すばらしい！
Terrific!
Often used for things that are charming, lovely, or stylish. Can translate to 'terrific' in contexts like fashion, design, or atmosphere.
素敵なドレスですね。
That's a terrific dress.
An intensified version of すごい, meaning 'tremendous' or 'terrific' in the sense of extreme degree.
ものすごい音がした。
There was a terrific noise.
ものすごいスピードで走っている。
It's going at a terrific speed.
Can also be used for intensity, but ものすごい is stronger.
すごい雨だね。
It's a terrific rain, isn't it?
Means 'fierce' or 'violent', used for natural forces or intense actions. Can translate to 'terrific' in literary or formal contexts.
猛烈な嵐が来た。
A terrific storm came.
Terrific! (very casual, like 'awesome')
最高！
Terrific! (very casual, like 'awesome')