Translation guide
The English word 'favorable' describes something that is positive, advantageous, or showing approval. In Japanese, the translation depends on whether you are describing conditions, opinions, or outcomes. This guide organizes the most natural Japanese expressions by these core meanings.
Describing circumstances, conditions, or factors that are beneficial or advantageous.
The most common and versatile adjective for 'favorable' in the sense of advantageous. Used for conditions, positions, situations, etc.
彼にとって有利な条件だ。
These are favorable conditions for him.
To be in a favorable position.
Means 'convenient' or 'favorable' in the sense of suiting one's needs or plans. Often used for timing or circumstances.
好都合なことに、明日は休みだ。
Favorably, tomorrow is a day off.
Means 'good' or 'favorable' in a formal, often objective sense. Used for conditions, health, results, etc.
健康状態は良好です。
Your health condition is favorable.
Means 'smooth' or 'favorable' in the sense of progressing well without problems. Often used for progress or business.
仕事は順調です。
Work is going favorably.
Describing a reaction, review, or opinion that is approving or positive.
The standard adjective for a favorable attitude, reaction, or opinion. Implies goodwill or a positive disposition.
彼はその提案に好意的な反応を示した。
He showed a favorable reaction to the proposal.
好意的な批評をもらった。
I received a favorable review.
Means 'affirmative' or 'positive', often used for evaluations, answers, or stances. Slightly more formal than 好意的な.
肯定的な評価を得た。
We received a favorable evaluation.
A phrase meaning 'to have a favorable impression' of someone or something.
彼に好感を持っている。
I have a favorable impression of him.
Describing a result or outcome that is positive or desirable.
Means 'desirable' or 'favorable' in the sense of being what one hopes for. Often used for results or situations.
望ましい結果が出た。
We got a favorable result.
Similar to 望ましい but slightly more subjective, meaning 'pleasing' or 'favorable'. Often used for impressions or outcomes.
Comparing something favorably to another thing.
A set phrase meaning 'compares favorably with ~' or 'is not inferior to ~'. Used in formal contexts.
この製品は海外製品と比べて遜色がない。
This product compares favorably with foreign products.
Means 'is superior to ~', often used to express a favorable comparison.
この車は前のモデルより優れている。
This car compares favorably with the previous model.
The katakana word フェイバラブル is rarely used and sounds unnatural. Use the Japanese adjectives above instead.
有利な emphasizes advantage in a competitive or strategic sense, while 好都合な emphasizes convenience or suitability to one's circumstances. 有利な is more common for 'favorable conditions' in business or games.
イベントには好都合な天気だった。
The weather was favorable for the event.
彼女はその本に好意的なレビューを書いた。
She gave a favorable review of the book.
好ましい結果ではない。
It's not a favorable outcome.