KaiwaGoCompliments in Japanese
15 Japanese phrases for compliments, for example よくやった！ (Well done).
Compliments are part of everyday politeness in Japan. These phrases help you praise food, clothes, skills or someone’s work, and answer a compliment modestly.
Hands-free listening
Play every phrase in order with its English meaning between the repeats. Keep the page open and listen while you do something else.
| Japanese | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| イケメンですね ikemendesune | You're so handsome | |
| よくやった！ yokuyatta! | Well done! | |
| すばらしい履歴書ですね | What an excellent résumé! | |
| 見た目より内面のほうがずっとすてきです | Your inner qualities (depth of character) are far more wonderful than your outward appearance (looks) | |
| きみをみてると、もっと自分を磨かなきゃって気持ちになります | Every time I look at you, I feel I need to try harder and work on myself even more. | |
| そのジャケット、似合っていますね | That jacket really suits you. | |
| 骨の折れるプロジェクトだったと思うけど、君のがんばりは私の期待以上でした | Even though it was tough and exhausting, you did better than I expected | |
| 頭いいですね！ | You're really smart! | |
| きみは最高の友達だよ。 | You're my best friend! | |
| 抜群のユーモアのセンスを持っているね。 | You really have an amazing sense of humor! | |
| 笑顔が素敵です | Your smile is really beautiful. | |
| きみの作る料理が大好きです。 | I really love the food you make. | |
| センスがいいね sensugaiine | You have great taste | |
| きまってるね。 kimatterune. | You look sharp! | |
| 話し上手だね。 | You're such a good talker. |
Usage notes
- Japanese people often answer a compliment with いえいえ or そんなことないです (not at all) rather than thank you.
- すごい is a casual all-purpose “amazing”.
- おいしいです to the cook is the simplest compliment of all.
FAQ
How do you compliment someone in Japanese?
すごいですね (that’s amazing), 上手ですね (you’re good at it) and きれいですね (it’s beautiful) are the most common compliments.
How do you answer a compliment in Japanese?
Modesty is expected: いえいえ, まだまだです (I still have a long way to go) or そんなことないです (not at all). ありがとうございます is fine too.