In the last episode we have covered how to argue / fight in Japanese. Today I am interested to find out how I can give compliments to someone in Japanese.
I believe most people likes to receive compliments, in Japan however I noticed that sometimes Japanese people don’t accept compliments well. For instance: If you tell someone, “Wow you are very smart!” or “You are very pretty”, usually in a foreign country the response you would get is an acceptance like: “Thank you!”.
However In Japan, most people would probably respond saying ”No! I’m not” or some version of Iee iee (いええ。。いええ)。I think this is a bit of shyness and also humbleness. Japanese people don’t feel comfortable to acknowledge the compliment, but I guess they are still happy to hear your compliment.
If you are a Japanese and reading this blog — Please note- when someone compliments you, you should always say thank you. We find it chotto rude, if you don’t say it.
Let me cover the most common forms of compliments that you may get to use in real life on a regular basis:
Phrase 1: Iine (いいね) - That’s good! / That’s nice
Example:
Me: 来週オーストラリアに行きます / Raishū ōsutoraria ni ikimasu / I will go to Australia Next week!
Friend: いいね / Iine! / That’s nice!
Pro Tip: If you use Facebook in Japanese, you may see ‘Iine” instead of the Like button.
Phrase 2: Kawaii (かわいい)- Cute!
かわいいですね!/ It’s so cute!
Phrase 3: Niatteiru / 似合っている / - This suits you! / They match well!
This is a good one to learn. For example - It can be used for someone who has recently changed their hair style or perhaps wearing a dress that is a good match or suits them. You can compliment them by saying Niatterune! ( 似合っているね!)
Phrase 4: Yasashi ne (優しいね)- Kind / Gentle
Anata wa yasashii desune / あなたは優しいですね / You are very kind!
Phrase 5: kakkoii (かっこいい) - Cool
That guy is cool (good looking!)
Ano kare wa kakkoī desu! / あのかれはカッコイです
From what I have learned, kakkoii can’t be used for a situation but rather its mostly used for something that is physically present - For instance:
That’s a cool car!
He is a cool man.
Phrase 6: 上手!(Jouzu!)
This compliment is suitable when someone is good at their job. It basically means being skilful or good at something.
“Nihongo wa jouzu desu!” (日本語は上手です!), which means that your Japanese is very good.
Phrase 7: Ganbatterune ( 頑張ってるね)
This is another useful one for work situation. When you know someone has been working really hard, you can just say - Ganbatterune ( 頑張ってるね)! It basically means “Looks like you have been working really hard!” This compliment acknowledges the fact that the person is doing their very best despite of any sort of setbacks and problems.
But you shouldn’t confuse this with “Ganbattene” which basically means “Good Luck!” or “All the best”.
Phrase 8: すごい!(Sugoi!)
I believe most of you are already familiar with this. You can use this in various situation. Sugoi means “amazing!”. So if you hear something or see something amazing, all you have to say is “Sugoi!”. You can use it for situation or even for a person.
Now I know i probably have missed out a lot of other compliments, so i am going to cover them in a future topic.
Until then….Mata ne!