In English, we use the word ‘amazing’ to describe a multitude of things, ranging from food to experiences to the weather!
The most common way to say amazing in Japanese is sugoi (すごい). Like ‘amazing’, this word can be used in a variety of situations.
However, it leans more on the casual side, so depending on what it is you are describing and who you are speaking with, there may be a more suitable term!
Let’s have a look at all of the options:
Casual ways to say ‘amazing’ in Japanese
Sugoi
すごい
Amazing
If you are a fan of Japanese media such as anime, manga or dramas, you likely have heard the phrase sugoi exclaimed during times of amazement!
It is a super common term which is used in everyday conversations. Like ‘amazing’, it is used to show admiration or surprise.
You may even hear it pronounced as sugee (スゲー / すげー) from time to time. This pronunciation makes the term sound even more casual and even a little rough around the edges. This version is quite common among young men in informal situations.
Saikou
最高
The best
While not directly translating as ‘amazing’, saikou (最高 / さいこう) is a phrase used in much the same way.
Traditionally, it means ‘best’ or ‘supreme’ and can therefore be used to express approval and appreciation!
Yabai
やばい
Amazing (slang)
Yabai (やばい) is another super commonly used term that you may very well have heard of!
While its original meaning is actually ‘dangerous’, it has evolved over time to become a slang word in Japan and can be used to mean anything from ‘wow’ to ‘delicious’. You could think of it along the lines of the English slang terms ‘OMG’ or even ‘WTF’.
Like OMG, yabai could express too many alternate meanings to even list! Depending on the situation at hand and the tone in which it’s delivered, it can be a positive or negative expression.
Polite ways to say ‘amazing’ in Japanese
Subarashii
素晴らしい
Wonderful
Subarashii (素晴らしい / すばらしい) is a perfect option for a situation requiring more polite language. In English, it could be translated as ‘wonderful’ or ‘splendid’.
It can be used to mean ‘amazing’, though unlike the previous terms, it is definitely more elegant and refined sounding!
Other than in polite conversations, it would generally be used to express admiration in speeches, academic praise and customer service.
Miryokuteki
魅力的
Fascinating
Similarly to the previous term, miryokuteki (魅力的 / みりょくてき) is perfect in formal to semi-formal conversations.
It translates as ‘charming’ or ‘attractive’, but expresses that same excitement and captivation felt when encountering something ‘amazing’.
While phrases such as yabai and sugoi are often spoken as emotional exclamations, opting for miryokuteki feels more thoughtful and sophisticated. It is most commonly used in formal writing or polite conversations to describe a person or concept etc.
Other words for ‘amazing’ in Japanese
Fushigi
不思議
Marvelous
Fushigi (不思議 / ふしぎ) describes something that may be ‘amazing’ but in a kind of astonishing or surprising way. It can translate as ‘wonderful’ and ‘marvelous’ or even ‘strange’ and ‘curious’.
It perhaps expresses the term ‘amazing’ in the more original sense of the word as, in fact, the English definition of ‘amazing’ is something that causes great wonder or astonishment.
Think magicians and their stage names: the Amazing So-and-so!
It’s generally used to describe something that is fascinatingly mysterious or puzzling.
Example:
Kare wa ichido kiita dake de kyoku o hikeru fushigi na sainou wo motteiru
彼は一度聞いただけで、曲を弾ける不思議な才能を持っている
かれはいちどきいただけで、きょくをひけるふしぎなさいのうをもっている
He has an astonishing ability to play a song after only listening to it once.
Mezurashii
珍しい
Unusual
Mezurashii (珍しい / めずらしい) holds a meaning of ‘unusal’ or ‘uncommon’.
While not meaning ‘amazing’ in the literal sense, it can be used to express the amazement that stems from rarity, rather than quality.
It’s not that you are implying any admiration in particular, but simply expressing a notable observation, more so out of surprise and interest rather than positive or negative feelings in particular.
Example:
Kare ga jikan doori ni kuru nante mezurashii yo ne
彼が時間通りに来るなんて珍しいよね
かれはじかんどおりにくるなんてめずらしいよね
It’s amazing that he came on time.
Time to get amazing at Japanese!
Now you know a few different ways to say amazing in Japanese, from casual to polite. There is a ton of useful vocabulary in this post that you’ll be able to use every day!
Want to learn more practical, everyday Japanese? Our too recommended course is JapanesePod101. It’s free!
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Hannah is a half Irish/half Japanese girl living in Ireland. Her love for Japan and the Japanese language led her to studying languages and translation in university where she specialised in Japanese. She spent a year studying abroad at Rikkyo University in Tokyo. In her free time, Hannah enjoys using her sewing machine to upcycle clothes and create new pieces!