Translation guide
How to express that an idea is excellent in Japanese, from casual agreement to formal praise.
The speaker wants to express that an idea is very good, clever, or outstanding.
A natural, polite way to say 'That's a good idea.' Adding とても (very) makes it stronger: とてもいいアイデアですね.
それはとてもいいアイデアですね。
That's a really excellent idea.
素晴らしい means 'wonderful' or 'splendid.' This is a common and natural way to say 'excellent idea' in both casual and polite contexts.
The speaker wants to show strong agreement and enthusiasm for a proposed idea.
A very common casual way to say 'That's a good idea!' or 'Sounds great!'
明日映画に行かない？ ーそれはいいね！
How about going to a movie tomorrow? — That's a great idea!
いいアイデア is the most basic and neutral way to say 'good idea.' 素晴らしいアイデア is stronger, closer to 'excellent idea' or 'wonderful idea.' Both are natural and polite with ですね.
いいアイデアですね。
That's a good idea.
素晴らしいアイデアですね。
That's an excellent idea.
While 優秀な (ゆうしゅうな) means 'excellent,' it is usually used for people's abilities or performance, not for ideas. Saying 優秀なアイデア sounds unnatural. Stick to 素晴らしい or いい.
素晴らしいアイデアですね！
What an excellent idea!
名案 means 'excellent idea' or 'brilliant plan.' It sounds a bit more formal or literary, but is still used in conversation.
それは名案だ。
That's an excellent idea.
A casual, loanword expression. Common among younger people or in informal settings.
ナイスアイデア！それでいこう。
Nice idea! Let's go with that.
妙案 means 'ingenious idea' or 'clever plan.' It is somewhat literary and less common in daily speech.
それは妙案だ。
That's a clever idea.
A shorter, very casual way to say 'Good idea!' or 'Nice!' Often used in texting or quick replies.
ランチに行こう。 ーいいね！
Let's go for lunch. — Good idea!