Translation guide
This guide covers how to express that something proceeds smoothly, successfully, or harmoniously in Japanese. It includes common verbs, adverbs, and set phrases for different contexts.
To say that a plan, event, or process is going well or smoothly.
The most common and versatile way to say 'go well'. Literally 'go skillfully', it covers success, smooth progress, and things turning out fine.
仕事はうまくいっていますか。
Is your work going well?
計画がうまくいった。
The plan went well.
Means 'to proceed smoothly/favorably'. Often used in business or formal contexts to describe progress.
プロジェクトは順調に進んでいます。
The project is going well.
A loanword from English 'smooth', used to describe things going without hitches. Common in casual and business speech.
引っ越しはスムーズにいった。
The move went smoothly.
To express that something ended with a good result or was successful.
Directly means 'to succeed'. Use when the outcome is clearly positive.
イベントは成功した。
The event went well (was a success).
Also covers successful outcomes. Often more natural than 成功する in daily conversation.
試験はうまくいった。
The exam went well.
Literally 'become a good result'. Used when focusing on the outcome.
話し合いがいい結果になった。
The discussion went well (had a good outcome).
To say that people are on good terms or interact harmoniously.
Describes a good relationship. Use with と to indicate the other person.
彼とは仲がいい。
I get along well with him.
Means 'to get along well' or 'to manage a relationship smoothly'. Implies ongoing effort.
新しいクラスメートとうまくやっていけるかな。
I wonder if I'll get along well with my new classmates.
Means 'to hit it off' or 'to be compatible'. Focuses on shared interests or chemistry.
To say that colors, styles, or items look good together.
General verb for matching or suiting. Use with に to indicate what it goes with.
このシャツはそのパンツに合う。
This shirt goes well with those pants.
Specifically means 'to suit (a person)' or 'to look good on'. Used for clothes, hairstyles, etc.
Loanword from 'match'. Casual and often used for colors or designs.
この色、壁とマッチしてるね。
This color goes well with the wall.
To say that a food or drink complements another.
Same verb as for aesthetics, but used for taste combinations.
このワインはチーズによく合う。
This wine goes well with cheese.
Means 'compatibility is good'. Used for food pairings and also for people or things that work well together.
日本酒と刺身は相性がいい。
Sake and sashimi go well together.
うまくいく is the everyday phrase for 'go well' in most situations. 順調に進む is more formal and often used in business reports or news to describe steady progress.
ダイエットはうまくいってる？
Is your diet going well? (casual)
工事は順調に進んでおります。
The construction is proceeding smoothly. (formal)
Avoid directly translating 'go well' as よく行く (yoku iku), which means 'go often'. The correct phrase is うまくいく.
✕ パーティーはよく行った。
(Incorrect for 'The party went well')
◯ パーティーはうまくいった。
The party went well.
We get along well (we click).
That hat really suits you (goes well on you).