Hello Junkies!
Want to learn how to compliment in Japanese? First thing you need to know is… a compliment is called お世辞 or “oseji.” Got it? Good.
Today, you’ll learn 15 Japanese Compliments for life, love, friends and of course, work. Don’t worry – they’re usable for males, females, friends, lovers, coworkers and all kinds of people. So, you will..
- learn how to compliment in Japanese
- say these compliments in Japanese.
- learn easily with English translations and romanizations
✅ Hey, if you REALLY want to learn & speak Japanese with a complete learning system, (2,000+ audio/video courses, apps, study tools and more) Sign up at JapanesePod101 (click here) and start learning! I recommend ’em as a teacher & learner.
By the way…
While you read this lesson on Japanese compliments, you will want hear the pronunciations, right? Then, you will love this bonus audio lesson. Just click on the play button.
- Vocabulary Builder – Top 15 Japanese Compliments
If you liked this lesson, you can get even more fast and easy Japanese lessons at JapanesePod101.com. Click here to visit them and see for yourself.
Anyway, back to the compliments!
1. You’re handsome.
- ハンサムですね。
- Hansamu desu ne.
This one’s obviously for guys. The word “handsome” is taken from the English language as you can tell. A more Japanese way to compliment would be to call them “かっこいい・kakkoii” or “cool.” Cool as in the-girl-likes-you-cool and not you’re-cool-but-you’re-friendzoned-cool.
I’ve added the “cool” image below as well.
2. Great job!
- よくやった！
- Yoku yatta!
Basically if someone has done a great job (duh) or accomplished a goal. Use it any time you want to praise someone for their work. Good for friends, coworkers, family and everyone.
3. Your inside is even more beautiful than your outside.
- 見た目より内面のほうがずっとすてきです。
- Mitame yori naimen no hō ga zutto suteki desu.
Aw, now this is poetic. Just so you know, most Japanese don’t really say such deep things so it might be unnatural. However, if you want to express this compliment – this is for you.
4. You make me want to be a better person.
- 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。
- Kimi o mite ru to, motto jibun o migakanakya tte kimochi ni narimasu.
This also may not be used much by native Japanese speakers. Why? Too specific and deep. But, it’s a good one to know, just in case you want to become a better person!
5. That jacket looks nice on you.
- そのジャケット、似合っていますね。
- Sono jaketto, niatte imasu ne.
A very common compliment. If you want to comment on something other than a “jacket,” simply replace it with another word like… “shirt” or “pants” or “gloves.” Why not!? Anyway, this is one you should use a lot – for guys or girls.
6. You’re smart!
- 頭いいですね！
- Atama ii desu ne!
Great to use for little kids. Just as good to use for your friends. And in general, who doesn’t like to be told that they’re smart? This is an all-around compliment you can use for anyone.
7. You are an awesome friend.
- きみは最高の友達だよ。
- Kimi wa saikō no tomodachi da yo.
This is just a good Japanese compliment to use for your friends. Even they deserve a nice word or two once in a while, right?
8. You have a great sense of humor.
- 抜群のユーモアのセンスを持っているね。
- Batsugun no yūmoa no sensu o motte iru ne.
Great to use on anyone. We all like to think that we’re funny. Please tell me I’m funny.
9. Your smile is beautiful.
- 笑顔が素敵です。
- Egao ga suteki desu.
Great compliment to use. Why? Everyone comments on general looks. This is specific. It’s about something that’s unique to them… their smile! Use it and expect awesome results. I guarantee it.
10. I love your cooking.
- きみの作る料理が大好きです。
- Kimi no tsukuru ryōri ga daisuki desu.
Ooh, very important compliment to use on the ladies. Why? They feel good about their cooking talent. They cook more. You eat more. It’s a win-win situation. Just don’t get fat like I did.
11. You have good taste.
- センスがいいね。
- Sensu ga ii ne.
This is a nice compliment you can use on most people – friends, family, coworkers and anyone on your level. Basically, it’s typically used to comment on their tastes in fashion, movies, books, etc. etc. Similar as how you would use it in English.
12. You look gorgeous.
- きまってるね。
- Kimatte ru ne.
Of course, this is one of those Japanese compliments that you must know. If you want the girl to like you, tell her a damn compliment! Stop with the small talk. Get to the point like… “daaaamn, girl, you look GOOD! Umph!” … except in Japanese.
13. You have a way with words.
- 話し上手だね。
- Hanashijōzu da ne.
You smooth talker, you. This compliment’s for anyone that’s a good talker… and perhaps, better used for guys when they’re saying all those nice things to girls.
14. I know that it was a tough project, but your performance exceeded my expectations.
- 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。
- Hone no oreru purojekuto datta to omou kedo, kimi no ganbari wa watashi no kitai ijō deshita.
Now, obviously this Japanese compliment can really only be used for employees… or perhaps students. Well, if you’re a boss… (do many bosses read my site? get back to work!), here’s something for you!
15. Your resume is impressive.
- すばらしい履歴書ですね。
- Subarashii rirekisho desu ne.
Again, not a typical compliment, but definitely a good one to hear if you’re applying for jobs. So, if you just happen to be interviewing a Japanese person… use this!
So, what do you think?
There are only 15 Japanese compliments here. Do you know any more? If you have more to add to this list, be sure to leave a comment below.
I read them all and will add it to my list.
Hope you enjoyed this!
– The Main Junkie
P.S. I highly recommend this for Japanese learners. If you REALLY want to learn Japanese with effective lessons by real teachers – Sign up for free at JapanesePod101 (click here) and start learning!
more complimentary words please.