Translation guide
The English phrase "well-done" can refer to food that is thoroughly cooked, a task performed successfully, or an expression of praise. This guide covers natural Japanese equivalents for each meaning.
Describing meat or other food that is cooked all the way through, with no pinkness.
Common phrase meaning 'well-cooked' or 'thoroughly grilled'. Used for meat, fish, etc.
ステーキはよく焼いてください。
Please cook the steak well-done.
Emphasizes that the food is cooked firmly or thoroughly. Slightly more casual.
この肉はしっかり焼いてある。
This meat is well-done.
Loanword from English 'well-done', used mainly in steak contexts. Recognizable but less natural than Japanese phrases.
ステーキの焼き方はウェルダンで。
I'd like my steak well-done.
Describing a job, project, or action that has been done well or thoroughly.
Standard phrase meaning 'well done' or 'well made'. Can refer to tasks, objects, or results.
仕事がよくできた。
The job was well done.
Implies doing something thoroughly and properly. Often used for effort or preparation.
彼は宿題をしっかりやった。
He did his homework well.
More emphatic, meaning 'accomplished splendidly'. Suitable for impressive achievements.
彼は難しいプロジェクトを見事にやり遂げた。
He accomplished the difficult project well.
Telling someone they did a good job; complimenting performance.
Polite phrase meaning 'you did well'. Common in educational or formal praise settings.
テストで満点を取ったんだって？よくできました！
I heard you got a perfect score on the test. Well done!
Casual praise, like 'good job' or 'well done'. Used among friends, family, or to subordinates.
プレゼン、よくやったね。
You did well on the presentation.
Exclamation meaning 'splendid!' or 'well done!'. Often used for performances or skillful acts.
お見事！そのシュート、すごかったよ。
Well done! That shot was amazing.
Means 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. Can be used as praise, but is less direct than 'well done'.
Directly translating 'well-done' as ウェルダン for praise will sound unnatural. Use よくやった or よくできました instead.
よくやった！
Well done!
素晴らしい！君の努力が実を結んだね。
Well done! Your efforts have paid off.